Write a cheque, end a war. Using private military companies to end African conflicts

Abstract

Have mercenaries become Africa's best hope? From a professional military perspective, African wars can speedily be ended - either through armed peace enforcement or through outright military victory. Private companies can provide post-conflict security, offering a window of peace for political negotiation, state building and democratic change. In addition, they can do it faster, better, and much cheaper than the United Nations. All it takes to end Africa's most enduring wars is a small, but willing chequebook.