African Union
The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 54 member states that make up the countries of the African continent. It was officially launched in July 2002, succeeding the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was formed in 1963. The transition from OAU to AU was part of a broader effort to enhance the capacity of the organization to address the challenges facing Africa, particularly in the realms of peace, security, development, and governance.
History and Formation
- The idea of a continental union dates back to the Pan-Africanism movement of the 20th century, which sought unity among African states to promote economic, social, and political development.
- The Organization of African Unity was established to promote the unity and solidarity of the African states, coordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa, and defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
- In 1999, the Sirte Declaration called for the establishment of an African Union, aiming for a more integrated and stronger organization capable of addressing Africa's multifaceted challenges.
- The Constitutive Act of the African Union was adopted in July 2000 at the Lomé Summit, which laid the foundation for the AU's structure and objectives.
Objectives and Goals
The AU has several key objectives:
- To achieve greater unity and solidarity between the African countries and the peoples of Africa.
- To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its Member States.
- To accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
- To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.
- To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
- To promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, and good governance.
- To promote and protect human and peoples' rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Structure
The AU's structure includes several key organs:
- Assembly: Composed of heads of state and government or their duly accredited representatives. It is the AU's supreme policy and decision-making organ.
- Executive Council: Made up of ministers or authorities designated by the governments of Member States. It coordinates and takes decisions on policies in areas of common interest to Member States.
- Commission: The Secretariat of the Union, headed by a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson, manages the day-to-day activities of the AU.
- Permanent Representatives Committee: Consists of ambassadors to the AU, preparing decisions for the Executive Council.
- Peace and Security Council (PSC): Ensures peace, security, and stability in Africa.
- Pan-African Parliament (PAP): A legislative body representing all AU member states.
- Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC): An advisory organ composed of different social and professional groups of the Member States.
Peace and Security Initiatives
The AU has been active in conflict resolution and peacekeeping:
Economic Integration
The AU promotes economic integration through:
External Links
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