If the EU is now also sending a military contingent to the Central African Republic after Mali, this is hardly surprising as it follows an overall concept. Back in December 2007, the African Union (AU) and the EU adopted a joint Africa-EU strategy, which was seen as the starting signal for a new mutual understanding and intensified cooperation. In future, they want to work together on an equal footing to find solutions in eight areas, including peace and security, democratic governance and human rights, as well as climate change and migration. In view of the fact that the majority of armed conflicts take place in Africa and a number of states are considered fragile, cooperation in the security sector is becoming increasingly important. The ultimate aim of joint efforts would be to facilitate “African solutions to African problems”. Great attention is therefore being paid to the development of a security architecture, including the associated capacities in the police, military and legal sectors. EU training missions, such as for Somalia, in Mali or now in the Central African Republic, form a pillar of international engagement. In addition, rapid stabilization missions by medium-sized military contingents may be necessary if African troops are not available in time or in the required quality or quantity. However, military engagement only makes sense if it is part of an overall package. The medium and long-term intention can only be to enable African states to create security and peace and thus the conditions for sustainable development on their own. This will take time, but it is the only way that promises success. There is no alternative to EU involvement in Africa, because sooner or later unresolved African problems will also become European problems. Conversely, a prosperous Africa could bring great benefits for the EU. In addition to solidarity and moral considerations, there are therefore also very pragmatic political, economic and security reasons that are valid even for Austria and require and justify participation in international, especially EU activities.
Please also read the analysis “Is Bangui the key to success?” by IFK expert Gerald Hainzl. Here you can also find further articles by IFK head Brigadier Walter Feichtinger.
