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The African Union is a continental organisation consisting of 55 member states. The African Union came into being with the aim of fostering unity and solidarity among African nations, protecting state sovereignty, ending colonialism and promoting international cooperation. Before the African Union was established, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) served as Africa's continental union. Its roots can be traced back to May 1963 when 32 independent African states convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to sign the Charter establishing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU's primary mission was to encourage unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African nations, particularly as more African countries gained independence in the post-colonial era. Guided by the principles of pan-Africanism, the OAU aimed to promote African unity, sovereignty, and development while fighting against colonialism and apartheid on the continent. Pan-Africanism refers to a worldwide movement aimed at strengthening the solidarity between all indigenous peoples and diasporas of African ancestry. This movement encouraged cooperation and unity within the continent. In September 1999, the OAU issued the Sirte Declaration, calling for the establishment of a new continental organisation, which became the African Union. Transitioning beyond mere political independence, the African Union expanded its focus to include greater economic integration, social development, and collective security measures, aiming to mark a pivotal shift in Africa's trajectory. In July 2002, the African Union was officially launched in Durban, South Africa, with a renewed commitment to harnessing its potential for growth and development.
The African Union operates through various organs and institutions, each playing a crucial role in advancing the organisation’s objectives and serving member states' interests. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government is where leaders meet annually to discuss key continental issues. The Executive Council is responsible for preparing the Assembly's agenda and overseeing the execution of its decisions, and is made up of foreign ministers and designated officials. The African Union Commission implements policies, manages programs, and represents the African Union externally. The Peace and Security Council is responsible for promoting peace, security, and stability on the continent. Finally, the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), comprising representatives from civil society organisations, provides input on socio-economic development issues and ensures broader participation in African Union activities.
In the global scene, the African Union plays a pivotal role in shaping international relations. Indeed, the African Union advocates for African interests in international forums, addressing issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and fair trade, and ensuring Africa's voice is heard in global negotiations. The organisation fosters partnerships with entities such as the United Nations (UN), the African Development Bank, and the European Union, which provide crucial support for AU-led initiatives. Indeed, this collaboration enables the African Union to execute peacekeeping operations, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building programs effectively. Through initiatives like the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), the African Union participates in conflict prevention and peacekeeping efforts, notably in Sudan with the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) (active from 2004-2007 under the AU, and then active from 2007-2020 as a hybrid mission with the UN) showcasing its dedication to resolving conflicts and maintaining stability. Additionally, the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR) aims to safeguard human rights across the continent, particularly focusing on vulnerable groups such as refugees, women, and children. However, a major critique levelled against the African Union is its perceived lack of consultation with civil society stakeholders within member states. This deficiency undermines accountability and deprives citizens of a sense of ownership over African Union initiatives.
Economically, the African Union prioritises integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA), established in 2018, which aims to stimulate economic growth and enhance intra-African trade by removing tariffs on most goods and services. Projects like the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) focus on improving transportation networks and energy infrastructure to facilitate trade and connectivity. Despite these efforts, economic development remains a weak area for the African Union, with the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) - an initiative aimed at tackling problems faced by African states including underdevelopment and poverty - facing criticism over a lack of ability to make states cooperate and failure to achieve its objectives, on top of the failure to consult civil society mentioned previously. The challenges it faces in implementing its economic development initiatives pose a significant barrier to achieving its stated goals. Indeed, while intra-regional trade accounts for a mere 15% of Africa's total trade volume, Europe, North America, and Latin America, in contrast, boast rates of 68%, 37%, and 20%, respectively. The need to prioritise regional integration is particularly crucial, given the alarmingly low levels of intra-African trade compared to other regions.
In essence, the African Union serves as a poignant reflection of Africa's unwavering resilience and unity in overcoming historical challenges to carve its own path forward. Despite significant challenges, it embodies the aspirations of its people and remains committed to its pursuit of a cohesive, prosperous, and harmonious Africa.
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