In the complex landscape of peacekeeping forces in Africa, the question of the effectiveness and legitimacy of emergency response forces remains central. The establishment of an Emergency Response Force (ERF) or a Standby Force (SR) for Africa is the subject of much debate and raises various concerns about its practical implementation.
On the one hand, it is often wrongly assumed that such a force would be rapidly deployed and effectively led in the event of a conflict. However, each conflict has unique political specificities that can complicate the implementation of a coordinated intervention. Ethical and logistical questions also arise, particularly regarding the authority to deploy the force and the mandates for intervention.
The crucial question of who should authorize the deployment of the standby force, particularly in the context of global power dynamics, is essential to consider. While the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU) may appear to be the body with the authority to mandate such operations, in practice, this authorization often depends on the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and must be acquired with the assent of the United Nations Security Council.
Examples such as the ECOMOG intervention in Liberia in 1990 or the support mission in Mali in 2012 highlight the complexities and challenges that peacekeeping forces in Africa face. External linkages and rivalries between member countries can also influence deployment decisions, thereby compromising the effectiveness of operations.
It is essential to recognize that significant political and geopolitical issues come into play in the establishment of a Reserve or Intervention Force. The divergences between Francophone and Anglophone countries within sub-regional organizations underscore the need to strike a balance between national interests and regional peacekeeping.
Finally, it is worth asking why some African peacekeeping forces have seen their reputations erode over time. Initiatives such as ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone have been hailed for their successes, but persistent challenges such as lack of funding or reliance on external resources have limited their long-term effectiveness.
Ultimately, the establishment of a Standby or Intervention Force for Africa must be approached in a pragmatic and collaborative manner, taking into account the specific political and operational realities of each conflict context. Only an inclusive and transparent approach can ensure the success and legitimacy of such peacekeeping forces in Africa.