Africa has historically been a victim of colonialism perpetrated by the Europeans for ages. Colonialism was anchored by slave trade, oppression, suppression of the African voices, expropriation of resources, ethnic cleansing of some tribes (millions were killed in DRC by the Belgian King) among others. Colonialism left an indelible mark in the African face such that whenever Africa appears the effects of colonialism are visible. It is not an understatement to note that colonialism still haunts the African continent many years after independence. The colonialist ceded political power and secretly maintained economic power that continues to influence the political dynamics of Africa. In essence, during the twentieth century African countries managed to win their independences from colonial rule. Colonial rule was orchestrated by Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, and Belgium. However, the winning of independence demanded cooperation among African states towards making the enemy lose maximum structural control in the continent. Did the enemy indeed lose structural control in politics, economics and the social life of Africans? It remains seemingly true that Africa was independent in the twentieth century but remained dependent to the former colonial powers to date. From its founding in 1963 OAU to its rebranding after the dawn of the new millennium in 2002 to African Union volatile conflicts have been rampant in Africa. The rebranded AU continues to struggle with sporadic conflicts in Africa, hunger, famines, poverty and poor governance among others. On 31 January 2015 the 24th Ordinary Assembly of the Heads of State and Governments of the African Union in Addis Ababa adopted the AU Agenda 2063. This essay seeks to discuss the notion that the African Union Agenda 2063 is a strategic peace building initiative. This desk research will tackle issues within the framework of AU Agenda 2063 document so as to determine its efficacy to peace building initiative. The aspirations, goals and priority areas of AU Agenda 2063 shall be of critical importance towards giving the discourse a terrain to engage with critical peace building concerns in Africa. Furthermore, the findings of the study draws insightful lenses from the AU Agenda 2063 document. Upon discussion of findings the paper will draw a conclusion.
Table of Contents
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework
1.3 Brief Literature Review overview
1.4 Methodology
1.5 Findings and Discussion
1.6 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This study evaluates the effectiveness of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 as a strategic framework for peace-building in Africa. It investigates whether the aspirations and goals outlined in the agenda can genuinely mitigate long-standing challenges such as political instability, conflict, and socio-economic fragility in the continent.
- Theoretical analysis based on neo-functionalism and regional integration.
- Evaluation of the efficacy of the African Union’s peace-building initiatives.
- Examination of systemic challenges including poverty, poor governance, and state fragility.
- Analysis of the ambitious "Silencing the Gun" initiative and its practical outcomes.
- Assessment of the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (APSA).
Excerpt from the publication
1.1 Introduction
Africa has historically been a victim of colonialism perpetrated by the Europeans for ages. Colonialism was anchored by slave trade, oppression, suppression of the African voices, expropriation of resources, ethnic cleansing of some tribes (millions were killed in DRC by the Belgian King) among others. Colonialism left an indelible mark in the African face such that whenever Africa appears the effects of colonialism are visible. It is not an understatement to note that colonialism still haunts the African continent many years after independence. The colonialist ceded political power and secretly maintained economic power that continues to influence the political dynamics of Africa. In essence, during the twentieth century African countries managed to win their independences from colonial rule. Colonial rule was orchestrated by Britain, France, Portugal, Germany, and Belgium. However, the winning of independence demanded cooperation among African states towards making the enemy lose maximum structural control in the continent.
Did the enemy indeed lose structural control in politics, economics and the social life of Africans? It remains seemingly true that Africa was independent in the twentieth century but remained dependent to the former colonial powers to date. However, in 1963 Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was established with the mission to achieve peace for Africa, enable cooperation and share developmental ideas towards better life of citizens. The founding of the OAU seemed to be a panacea to colonialism but it remained a toothless bull dog in the area of ending conflict among Africans themselves. From its founding in 1963 to its rebranding after the dawn of the new millennium in 2002 to African Union volatile conflicts have been rampant in Africa. The rebranded AU continues to struggle with sporadic conflicts in Africa, hunger, famines, poverty and poor governance among others.
Summary of Chapters
1.1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the legacy of colonialism and the historical context of the African Union's formation to address ongoing continental instability.
1.2 Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework: Explains the application of neo-functionalist theory to analyze how regional integration and pooled sovereignty can foster peace in Africa.
1.3 Brief Literature Review overview: Reviews key academic perspectives on peace-building, human rights, and the structural causes of violence in African societies.
1.4 Methodology: Describes the desk research approach utilized to synthesize secondary data from reports, academic literature, and official AU documents.
1.5 Findings and Discussion: Analyzes the challenges facing the continent and the implementation of AU Agenda 2063, highlighting the gap between policy goals and operational realities.
1.6 Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, acknowledging that while the Agenda 2063 provides a strategic vision, its efficacy remains hampered by various political and institutional challenges.
Keywords
African Union, Agenda 2063, Peace Building, Neo-functionalism, Regional Integration, Political Instability, Sovereignty, Colonialism, Governance, Conflict Transformation, Sustainable Development, APSA, Human Rights, Africa, State Fragility
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines whether the African Union’s Agenda 2063 can serve as an effective strategic framework for peace-building and conflict resolution across the African continent.
Which theoretical model does the author apply?
The research utilizes the neo-functionalist theory, arguing that regional integration in technical and economic sectors can create spill-over effects that promote political stability and peace.
What are the primary challenges to peace identified in the text?
The text highlights persistent issues like state fragility, political instability, poverty, unequal distribution of resources, and the lingering influence of colonial-era structures.
What research methodology was employed?
The study relies on desk research, analyzing existing academic literature, reports, and official documents to evaluate the efficacy of the AU Agenda 2063.
Does the paper conclude that Agenda 2063 is successful?
The paper concludes that while the framework is visionary and necessary, its actual success remains elusive due to ongoing conflicts and institutional limitations in implementation.
Which key themes are central to the work?
The key themes include regional cooperation, the role of human rights in peace, structural violence, the evolution of the AU from the OAU, and the importance of governance reform.
What does the author state about the 'Silencing the Gun' initiative?
The author labels the initiative as wishful thinking, noting that the deadline for silencing guns has been repeatedly extended while conflict continues to ravage various regions in Africa.
How does the author characterize the role of APSA?
The author argues that the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) is currently limited by a lack of capacity, reliance on donor support, and insufficient operational action.
- Quote paper
- Byron Maforo (Author), 2023, African Union Agenda 2063 as a Strategic Peacebuilding Framework for Sustainable Development and Security in Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1584429
