From Host to Contributor: Cameroon’s Role in Strengthening African Union (AU) Institutions

Abstract

Cameroon has been actively involved in various AU missions and other security operations in Africa; the country has also hosted the seat of some specialized agencies of the African Union. The foregoing was driven by its commitment to promoting peace, security, and socio-economic advancement of the continent. The participation was guided by the foreign policy objectives that shaped Cameroon's relations with the AU. This study explores how Cameroon’s evolution from being a host of AU institutions to becoming a significant contributor to peace keeping efforts on the African continent. Data was gleaned from primary and secondary sources and analyzed qualitatively. Based on the analyzed data, the findings revealed that Cameroon’s participation in the AU is a reflection of its foreign policy objectives, which are dependent on inter-African cooperation, non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, enhancement of pan-Africanism, non-alignment, anti-colonialism and imperialism, and respect for the territorial integrity of states. Also, has been instrumental in hosting various AU institutions and bodies like the logistics base, the Pan African University and the African Union sports council. It was also revealed that Cameroon did not only participate in peace keeping operations in Africa, but it also initiated initiatives to train AU pace keeping personnel. Challenges such as resources constraints and logistical challenges were faced.