'n Snelontplooiingsmag vir Afrika: enkele historiese perspektiewe

Abstract

At the beginning of the third millennium Africa is still suffering from the scourges of hunger, diseases and a variety of ongoing conflicts. In this study a possible solution with regard to one aspect of Africa's multidimensional problems is discussed in historical perspective, namely the role that a rapid reaction force (RRF) can play in solving conflicts and potential conflicts. For too long Africa has suffered from the dreadful consequences of armed conflict, and the time has come for Africans (and especially their governments) to do something themselves to combat this particular scourge. The importance of an RRF is discussed; the envisaged European Union's RRF is analysed (as a parallel example); the composition of an RRF is discussed, as well as the resources that are available in Africa for creating an RRF, with special reference to the role that the South African National Defence Force can play.