One of the ways that the African Union (AU) addresses threats to Africa’s security is by authorising or deploying counter-terrorism operations. Such operations are related to, but distinct from peace support operations, which are an AU statutory tool for preventing, managing and resolving crises. This policy brief explains why and how the AU should reposition its role in supporting counter-terrorism operations. This policy brief considers the role of the African Union (AU) in counter-terrorism operations given its recent experiences in mandating, authorising, managing or supporting these efforts to reduce insecurity. This study is motivated by increased policy attention on high intensity peace support operations in Africa, especially in improving the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing these missions.
