Neo-colonialism, violence, and the EU’s approach to peace operations in Africa

Abstract

The article examines the European Union’s (EU) approach to peace operations in Africa through the lens of neo-colonialism. The authors begin by situating Africa on the Richardson scale of violence, comparing its conflict levels to other continents, and exploring the root causes of its persistent instability, including colonial legacies and weak post-colonial military institutions. The study outlines evolving models of peace operations, contrasting traditional UN missions with ad hoc coalitions (AHCs) and highlighting the shift in EU missions from direct intervention to capacity-building (in form of training and advising). The paper argues that EU’s strategy is fragmented, reactive, and often shaped more by geopolitical self-interests than normative commitments. Through a detailed case study of the Central African Republic (CAR), the article analyses four EU missions, evaluating their scope, impact, and limitations. The authors claim that while EU operations have achieved tactical successes, they remain constrained by limited mandates, political ambiguity, and growing anti-Western sentiment in Africa (often fuelled by competing foreign actors), raising deeper questions about the possibilities and necessities of Europe’s long-term role on the continent.