Warning Intelligence and Early Warning with Specific Reference to the African Context‪.‬

ABSTRACT The concepts of warning intelligence and early warning are analysed in this article, and certain differences and resemblances between the two concepts are pointed out, as are potential areas of convergence. The African Union has formally incorporated the concept of early warning into its structures, as have certain regional organisations such as the Southern African Development Community. The effective functioning of early warning systems is, however, not foreseeable in the short-term. Also, early warning does not automatically lead to action or intervention.