The protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council says that a Peace Fund which receives allocations from the AU budget will finance interventions in Africa. Voluntary contributions can also be made by AU member states and ”other sources” such as the private sector or individuals.

But, Chirambo notes that most African states are short of money without the added burden of footing the bill for a standby force.

”In theory, this is a laudable move,” he says. ”But we should be under no illusions that this is by any means a straightforward adventure. Peace building and security operations are extremely costly.”

As a result, Africa may find itself turning to wealthy countries again to raise money for aircraft carriers, helicopter gunships - and the salaries of troops. It's a prospect that alarms political analyst Thomas Deve. ”Africans will never progress by relying on handouts from the West,” he told IPS.

An African Army, for Africans?

Wilson Johwa

BULAWAYO, Jul 2 (IPS) - As the third annual summit of the African Union (AU) draws closer, the spotlight is falling on the organisation's newest branch: the Peace and Security Council, and its proposed standby force.

Inaugurated in May at the AU headquarters in Ethiopia, the 15-member council will be advised by a panel comprising five Africans of repute. Analysts hope the council - which still has to be ratified by a majority of AU members - will prove a more powerful and efficient agency than other bodies set up to resolve the continent's woes.

The council aims to provide a ”timely and efficient response to conflict and crisis situations” on the continent, such as unconstitutional changes of government, humanitarian and natural disasters.

Inevitably, questions have been raised about funding for the standby force that will give council the muscle it needs to contain such situations.