The diversity of the African continent and its states, the distinct privileged historical links that exist between some Member States and their former colonies, and the corresponding cultural and linguistic affinities, all represent an extraordinary potential for cooperation, and this extends to the as yet barely developed area of peace and security. The EU would do well to pay attention to successful African examples of development, stability and democratisation as a source of guidance for its own future actions.
Serious doubts remain however about the ability of the EU to positively influence the situation on the African continent. Some countries reject the EU’s new trade policy conditions as set out in the economic partnership agreements, which they consider to be prejudicial to their own interests. Whole regions, from Chad to the Great Lakes, are still plagued by violent and bloody conflicts.
The European contribution to peacekeeping is absolutely essential but is as yet not sufficient to suppress local, regional and multilateral dynamics that jeopardise stability and the welfare and development of entire communities. Addressing these challenges is the rationale behind recent military operations undertaken by Europe, particularly in the Congo, Chad and in the Central African Republic, and the EU’s support to UN and African peacekeeping missions. The aim is to put an end to the worst conflicts that have occurred since the Rwandan genocide and to strengthen and enhance the security architecture of the African continent.
These efforts should constantly strive towards more coherence to effectively implement the Africa-EU partnership. The EUISS actively contributes to this by monitoring developments on the ground in Africa to highlight the ‘value added’ of the EU. The Institute also seeks to establish partnerships and coordinate with African decision-makers and actors of change as well as with other powers outside Africa, namely the United States, China, India, Russia and Brazil, to identify the areas where multilateralism can be more effectively applied in Africa.
L’interrogation à laquelle tente de répondre la présente étude est de savoir si l’investissement de l’UE dans la CEEAC en tant qu’acteur de sécurité collective en Afrique centrale se justifie. Le constat, il faut le regretter, n’est pas encourageant. Intervenant sur un milieu il est vrai peu porteur, l’UE ne s’est pas donné les moyens des fins affichées.
Following the elections in the DRC, it is likely that a small circle of ruling elites will tighten their grip on the state. Space for political opposition and civil society will shrink. To prevent this, the trust of the Congolese people in the political process must, at least partly, be restored.
The Arab democratic wave has not had an effect on Africa as much as some had hoped. But the situation on the other side of the Sahara is more nuanced. Here, the author explores several scenarios where sub-Saharan African nations may face crucial turning points.
In the last decade, Angola has become a major player in Africa. This new role needs to be clearly understood by the EU and its Member States and matched by significantly upgraded engagement policies.
In Africa, the aid and security policies of the EU and China are often contradictory. Rather than overemphasise the norms debate, the author argues, the EU and China should focus on seeking common ground and developing a pragmatic approach.
The third conference of the two-year research project ‘Ensuring peace and security in Africa: Implementing a new EU-Africa partnership’ focusing in particular on bilateral relationships with major African countries, EU crisis management policies and democratisation efforts in the post-Lisbon world.
Report on two experts' group meetings in Paris and Brussels aimed at providing options and recommendations for the formulation of EU counter-piracy policies.
But Helly questioned whether Saif al-Islam was "desperately trying to save his life" or whether his offer to surrender was a way of buying time or bargaining to improve his situation.
"If there is no stability [in Libya], that would beg the question if the whole operation was really a success," noted Daniel Keohane.
