Paper short abstract:

The paper examines the process of creation of EASBRIG of the ASF in the context of international relations in the region. Author provides critical assessment of advances of the project, as well as tries to indentify its main shortcomings and possible developments.

Paper long abstract:

The idea of African Standby Force - formidable units able to take immediate actions in case of conflicts and crises - seems reasonable and promising from the East African point of view. Since independence, the countries of the region have witnessed numerous threats to their internal and international security. Prolonged crises in Sudan and Somalia have shown the reluctance of external actors, both states and international organizations, to respond to the atrocities in places such as Sudan and Somalia. But despite these needs, the creation of the Eastern African Standby Brigade meets many obstacles, most notably:

- internal tension between states and lack of regional cohesion,

- lack of regional lead nation that could set the pace for the project,

- the absence of one Regional Economic Community (REC) - the countries of the region are members of different organizations, most notably IGAD and EAC. Unable to find compromise within these organizations, the governments decided to create new structure - EASBRICOM - that is understaffed, underfinanced and poorly communicated with the AU and RECs,

- reluctance and ambivalence of some states, like Tanzania.

However, East African countries have shown devotion to peace processes in Sudan and Somalia. Current military involvement in the latter indicates that some regional players are willing and able - as for now only with external support - to conduct complex peace operations. What does it mean for the EASF? What conditions should be met in order to create such a unit in the near future?

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