THE ROLE OF REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: AN EVALUATION OF THE AFRICAN UNION IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT

Conflicts remain one of Africa’s greatest challenges, undermining peace, development, and regional cooperation. Despite the presence of national and international efforts, many African countries still suffer from recurring violent crises. This study evaluates the role of regional organizations in conflict resolution, using the African Union (AU) as a case study. The research examines the AU’s legal and institutional mechanisms for conflict resolution, including structures such as the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the African Standby Force (ASF), and the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), all under the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). It also evaluates the effectiveness of AU-led peacekeeping and mediation efforts in conflict-affected countries like Sudan, South Sudan, Mali, and Somalia. The study adopted a qualitative research design, relying on secondary data from books, journal articles, AU and UN reports, and case studies. One theory was applied: the Regional Security Complex Theory, which explains why regional bodies are best positioned to handle regional conflicts. Findings reveal that while the AU has made significant progress in building peace and conflict resolution frameworks, it faces key challenges such as financial dependence on external donors, delayed interventions, limited logistical capacity, and political interference by member states. Moreover, the study highlights the supportive role of Regional Economic Communities (RECs), including ECOWAS, IGAD, and SADC, and notes the need for stronger coordination between the AU and these sub regional bodies. In conclusion, the AU holds great potential for managing Africa’s conflicts, but this can only be fully achieved through improved funding, stronger political will, better coordination with RECs, and inclusive peace processes that involve women, youth, and civil society actors.