"It should not take long to muster the force once a decision to do this is taken," she told journalists at the end of a three-day meeting of foreign ministers from the 53-nation African Union.

"We are not dealing with fresh people, but with trained soldiers and members of the defence forces."

Dlamini-Zuma said a report on an African common defence policy had been prepared for a African heads of state summit in Maputo in July.

"The heads of state will have to decide exactly how this force will be composed.

"We will consult with our respective ministers of defence and security and take their recommondations to the summit."

On Sunday, the ministers will attend celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, which was replaced by the AU last year.

WAR.WIRE