CONFLICT MANAGEMENT BY THE AFRICAN UNION IN THE REGION

Abstract

The concept of globalization in its scholarly definitions implies that the world has shifted from the era of bipolarity based on the influence of the two major world powers (US and USSR) and their allies and another group who stood neutral against them (the nonaligned movement) to a new era influenced by the information and communication technology. The advocates of globalization have made it extremely enticing to their benefit and the detriment of the developing countries. It is in this context that many scholars are revisiting the conceptual meaning of globalization and its implications on developing countries. This paper is focusing on African countries as a group of developing countries affected by globalization; and to see the extent to which Western demonstrate interest on Africa with respect to resolution of conflicts. The expectation is that the paper will help to strengthen the efforts of the African Union (AU) on conflict management in this epoch of globalization. The paper relied on secondary data for analysis. Data on AU management of conflict in Africa, the contribution of both the UN and the Western countries were assessed. The paper examined peace keeping operation (PKO) and their shortcoming, as well as the effort of the West on conflict resolution in Africa. The paper concludes that for peace to reign African States should ensure good governance, and ensure the implementation of the NEPAD‖s African Peer Review Mechanism.