The Strategic Security Engagement between the African Union and the European Union in Conflict Management in Africa: The Challenges

Abstract

This article uses a qualitative research approach comprising of descriptive analysis and extensive desk review to carry out a critical analysis of the strategic security engagement between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) in addressing the challenges associated with conflict and other complex security threats facing the African continent. The findings and conclusions of the article suggest that; although the EU security engagement supports the broader AU security framework, challenges such as selective funding, non-accountability in the disbursement and utilization of funds, excessive over-reliance, and dependence of the AU on external actors in addressing the various complex security threats facing the continent still exist. Therefore, addressing these challenges will require a symmetric and multidimensional cooperation and responses between these two actors driving the process for efficient impact.