ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that while there is a partnership in principle between the African Union (AU) and its regional economic communities (RECs) in dealing with issues of peace and security, in practice there is often disagreement and lack of clarity over the nature of the partnership between the bodies. It explores the rationale for and foundation of regional security partnerships in Africa, moving on to establish the legal and institutional relationship between the AU and RECs. These partnerships are further evaluated, discussing points of tension and examples of disunity and poor co-ordination in recent peace efforts. The chapter focuses on the development and advancement of the African Standby Force structures as an important nexus of the AU-REC partnership. In recognizing its shortcomings, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) heads of state and government met in Lomé, Togo, in July 2000 and reconstituted themselves into the AU through the adoption of the Constitutive Act of the Union.
