East African standby force. Shortcomings and prospects for the future

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to examine the shortcomings and prospects for the future of the East African Standby Force (EASF). The author begins with an analysis of origins of the concept and place of the African Standby Force within the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). The next section is devoted to presenting the EASF in light of some of the challenges and accomplishments in the process of its operationalization. Subsequently, the most important features of East African regional security complex are presented. In this context the author discusses the adequacy of the EASF to regional security threats and investigates the possibility of its use. The paper concludes with considerations on the future of the ASF.