Eastern Africa Standby Force’s Efforts in Execution of its Mandate in Maintaining Peace and Security In Kenya and Somalia

Abstract

The nature and numbers of intrastate conflicts in the early nineties challenged regional security; thereby requiring a collective regional response. This explains the formation of a number of regional security mechanisms such as EASF with a mandate to maintain peace and security in the Eastern Africa region. Despite over a decade of its existence, the EASF efforts to tackle the seemingly intractable peace and security dilemmas in the region and especially in Kenya and Somalia have remained elusive and insignificant, making it more of a bystander. This study sought to address this gap. As for EASF efforts to enhance its capability to be able to maintain peace and security, the study found out that EASF has put in place a number of initiatives. The study therefore sought to evaluate Eastern Africa Standby Force’s efforts in maintaining peace and security in Kenya and Somalia. This research paper is underpinned by theoretical framework utilizing power theory.