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The determination of the African States to control conflicts breaking out in sub-Saharan Africa has taken the form since the?1990s of creating regional and multinational forces dedicated to keeping the peace. It must be asked, however, whether the lack of financial support and the numerical weakness of these forces allow the African peace-keepers to conduct effective military operations. The present article underlines the political role, far more important than the military contribution, played by African peace-keeping troops in missions entrusted to them both by the African Union and by its regional organizations.