AMU - Peace, Security, Stability and Governance

The Article 2 of the Treaty Instituting the Arab Maghreb Union clearly states the AMU objective of contributing to the preservation of peace based on justice and equity in the region. Moreover, the common defense and the non-interference in domestic affairs of member States are, likewise, central to the Treaty. In this regard, AMU formed institutional structures to promote peace and security by creating the Council of Common Defense in 1991. The Council, and the greater objective of AMU, was for the REC to be a platform for negotiating peace, improving security and resolving existing conflicts amongst member States and the world.[1] AMU has nevertheless failed to fulfil its objectives as intervention or meddling in conflicts within the region has been poor. Particularly, in regards to the recent social and political crisis in the region that has impeded the process of peace, security and stability in Tunisia and Libya and to a lesser extent in Morocco. Amid constraints to meet the AMU objectives, member States met in March 2012 to deliberate on how to fight terrorism, organised crimes and to enhance cooperation in the region.[2] Yet, AMU initiatives have not led to substantive changes.[3] Member States are, nevertheless, experiencing slow but gradual progress towards the establishment of peace, security and stability in their states. The relatively successful transition to democracy in Tunisia is one such example.