Africa is a continent with a number of armed conflicts. United Nations, regional organizations, and a number of non African states have been making frantic efforts to manage these conflicts on the continent. In 2001, the African states decided to establish the African Union as a successor of the Organization of African Unity.
Since its establishment the African Union has made a significant effort to become an active player in conflict resolution of African conflicts. Fourteen out of 27 current UN peacekeeping and peace building operations worldwide are in Africa, and there are no coalitions or other major external military efforts besides UN operations taking place to resolve conflicts in Africa. The number of conflicts in Africa indicates the need for focus on conflict resolution in 2010 before general development can take place.
It is important to quickly examine frantic peace efforts directed at ensuring a conflict-free Africa. First, the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (MCPMR) of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established following a decision taken by African Heads of State during the 29th session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Cairo in June 1993.
The mechanism was incorporated as an organ of the African Union (AU) when it was established at the July 2001 Lusaka Summit. The OAU was formally dissolved on July 9, 2002 at the 38th ordinary session of the organization’s Assembly in Durban, South Africa. The AU thereafter took over the rights, powers and obligations of the OAU. One of such obligations is that of conflict management.
