Onditi, Francis2024-08-262024-08-262022Onditi, Francis. (2021). The ‘Invisible Force’ in the Downfall of the African Standby Force. African Institute of South Africa, AISA.https://repository.ru.ac.ke/handle/123456789/450This chapter tries to create a better understanding of the African PSO environment, by instructively re-examining the evolution and contours of the ASF structures, particularly in relation to the peace operations in Africa. A decade ago, some scholars questioned the sustainability of ASF. For example, how was it configured to fit into the existing institutions and norms? Was the ASF conceptualised as a multidimensional outfit? How does it fit into the national peace and security architectures? Are there ‘invisible hands’ in the establishment of this structure? If yes, for whom was the ASF established to serve? In view of this conceptual and policy lacuna, some would argue that there is need to address civil-military tensions and determine the required institutional coherence.enBook chapter