The African Standy Force is intended to be an international, continental African millitary force, with both a civilian and police component, under the direction of the African Union. It is to be deployed in times of crisis in Africa. It is hoped that by 2010 the force will be operational link titleThe word international can mean: Between nations or encompassing several nations. ... Continental may refer to: The adjective of continent, such as in continental Europe, continental breakfast, or continental climate, or Continental Glacier; The culture of the continental nation states of Europe, inasmuch as it contrasts with the culture of Anglo-Saxon England; The Lincoln Continental, a car made by Lincoln division... World map showing location of Africa A satellite composite image of Africa Africa is the worlds second_largest continent in both area and population, after Asia. ... Anthem: Let us all unite and celebrate together Capital Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Membership 53 member states Official languages The African languages, as well as Arabic, Swahili, English, French and Portuguese Formation - As OAU - As AU - May 25, 1963 - July 9, 2002 Chairman of the African Union Denis Sassou-Nguesso Chairman... 2010 (MMX) will be a common year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The genisis of the African Standby Force is contained in a document which provides a framework for the stucture of the ASF.

The establishment of the ASF has been envisioned in two parts:

1. Regional Economic Communities would complement the African Union by establishing regional standby forces up to a brigade size.

2. In time, the idea is, that the AU will be good enough at peacekeeping activities to handle missions with varying degrees of compexity, thereby allowing the ASF to maintain a purely supplemental role.

External link

African Standby Force