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This study examines the African Union´s peacekeeping role in managing African conflicts. Based on a qualitative research methodology, it analyses AU peace operations in Burundi and Somalia, and hybrid peacekeeping in Darfur, in order to identify the lessons learned and suggest how future outcomes may be improved.

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Introduction 1. Conceptual Framework and Some Background Issues 2. The Rise of African Union Regionalism 3. The African Peace and Security Architecture 4. The African Mission in Burundi 5. The African Union Mission in Somalia 6. The African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur Conclusions: What Works, What Doesn´t, and Why?

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"This timely, well-researched, and well-constructed book assesses the institutional evolution of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) into the African Union (AU) and its role in conflict management and peace operations. ... Scholars and students, peacemakers and policy makers will all find much to contemplate here. Highly recommended for university and larger public library systems and collections supporting programs in African and international studies, peace, and security. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." (J. P. Smaldone, Choice, Vol. 53 (5), January, 2016)

´´Isiaka Badmus provides a thorough, detailed account of how the African Union became involved in peace support operations, and how those missions evolved. This book will become the standard reference on the AU´s seminal missions in Burundi, Somalia and Darfur, and how the AU has come to play an integral role in peacekeeping in Africa.´´ - Alexander de Waal, Executive Director of the World Peace Foundation

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Isiaka Alani Badmus holds a PhD in Peace Studies from the University of New England, Australia. His research interests include disarmament and arms control in West Africa; UN peacekeeping in Africa; the African Union´s peace and security regime and AU-mandated peace operations; post-conflict peacebuilding and the ´responsibility to protect´ (R2P) in Africa.

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