The African Union, R2P and the Challenges of Capability

The transformation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU) represents a major policy shift to resolve conflicts in Africa. In resolving such political problems, the AU ascribes to itself the power to intervene in the internal affairs of the member states particularly in matters of grave human rights violations. The concept of Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is an affirmation of the primary obligation of African states to protect its population against humanitarian crimes. To what extent has the continental body - the AU - achieved these largely normative values? The search for an answer necessitates an examination of the contemporary challenges that have confronted the AU in its self-imposed interventionist role. The study rests on a qualitative research method that examines and synthesises extant literature on Africa. This research method has enabled the author to discover that R2P might end conflicts but leaves behind many unexpected consequences and results.