Assessing the Role of the African Union in Preventing and Combating Terrorism in Africa

Ewi, Martin; Aning, Kwesi

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Title:	Assessing the Role of the African Union in Preventing and Combating Terrorism in Africa
Authors:	Ewi, Martin Aning, Kwesi
Year:	2006
Periodical:	African Security Review
Volume:	15
Issue:	3
Pages:	32-46
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Africa
Subjects:	terrorism OAU African Union Inter-African Relations Military, Defense and Arms international relations Law, Human Rights and Violence
External link:	https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10246029.2006.9627603
Abstract:	The period after 9/11 can be characterized as the terrorism moment in world history. Every actor in international relations - the State, regional, continental and international as well as civil society organizations - has been mobilized to combat what, apparently, has been conceived as a common security threat to humanity. The transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU) was a divine coincidence at a time when multilateralism and international cooperation were being challenged by the threat of terrorism. In the post-9/11 period, the main concern of the AU has been to reinforce and implement existing counter-terrorism instruments adopted at the continental level in coordination with States and regional organizations. This article discusses and appraises the endeavours undertaken by the AU and its precursor organization, the OAU, in tackling and dealing with the threat of terrorism despite limitations to its human and financial resources. In recognition of the nature of the States in Africa and the challenges facing the Union, the authors argue that the role of the AU remains critical in order to fill the gaps where its member States or regional mechanisms are lacking. In this regard, they stress that the role of the AU should be complementary and serve as an interface between the continent and the international community, including the United Nations. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]