From Regionalization of Peacekeeping to the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) in Africa: The Gambia Experience

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the post-election violence in The Gambia, the regional response to that violence, and the implications that the violence there has for peacekeeping on the continent as a whole. This research used the qualitative approach, based on the notion of collective security, and used data from both secondary and primary sources, such as interviews with important officials from UN, AU, and ECOWAS missions to the Gambia. While the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have had difficulty responding to conflicts in the past, the AU's proactive intervention in the Gambia in accordance with Article 4 (g) and (h) of the AU Constitutive Act and the ECOWAS protocol on Democracy and governance demonstrates a serious and sustained commitment to the idea of African solutions to African problems among AU member states. The research shows that the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) need to keep up this pace in order to prevent military conflict in Africa. There needs to be a commitment from all member states to avoiding the underlying causes of violence. In addition, African countries should pay attention to conflict warning signs and maintain their support for the Panel of the Wise, Peace, and Security Council, Standby Force.