NCJ Number
230947
Date Published
2010
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter examines recent debates and developments regarding the police role in peacekeeping efforts in Africa, set against the background of international developments on the continent.
Abstract
The decision to establish a continental peacekeeping capability in Africa is linked to the United Nations Protocol on Peace and Security, which requires regional economic communities to have peacekeeping forces. A 15-member Peace and Security Council (PSC) was established in July 2004 and given responsibility for decisions on conflict prevention. The PSC was to be complemented by an African Standby Force (ASF) consisting of five brigades, one for each of the five regional economic communities (RECs). As envisioned, each of the five brigade-level forces of the ASF will be supported by police and other civilian capacities. This chapter focuses on the police component. After discussing the importance of initial and ongoing training of police for peacekeeping, the chapter examines recent development in the peacekeeping role of African police. The expansion of the peacekeeping capacity of police in African countries has led to new opportunities for cooperation and interaction among police agencies. The international community provides technical assistance through advice, support, expertise, and financial resources. The international rules, principles, and operational strategies linked to peacekeeping provide the template for developments in policing in African countries. The degree to which professional policing is institutionalized with respect for human rights and due process will depend on a variety of political, economic, and institutional factors. At the current stage, it is clear that peacekeeping has become the context within which Africa's police have a role to play that is likely to influence the predisposition of police institutions at national levels. 21 notes