African Union - AU 10 views

About Us

The African Union (AU) is a continental union comprising 55 African countries, established to promote unity, cooperation, and development across the continent. It was officially launched on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa, succeeding the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) formed in 1963.

Objectives of the African Union:

1. Achieve greater unity and solidarity among African countries and their citizens.
2. Defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states.
3. Accelerate political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
4. Promote peace, security, and stability across Africa.
5. Encourage democratic principles, good governance, and human rights.

Key Organs of the AU:

• Assembly of the African Union: Comprises heads of state and government from member countries, serving as the highest decision-making body.
• African Union Commission: Functions as the AU’s secretariat, headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, responsible for administrative and operational tasks.
• Pan-African Parliament: Consists of representatives from member states’ national legislatures, aiming to ensure the full participation of African peoples in governance and development.

Recent Developments:

• G20 Membership: In 2023, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20 during a summit in New Delhi, India, enhancing Africa’s representation in global economic discussions.
• UN Security Council Representation: Candidates for the AU chairperson position have advocated for Africa to secure two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing the need for the continent’s growing population to have a more significant voice in global affairs.
• Focus on Reparations: The AU’s 2025 annual summit highlighted the pursuit of reparations for slavery and colonialism, marking a significant step toward addressing historical injustices and their enduring socio-economic impacts on the continent.

For more detailed information on the African Union’s initiatives, policies, and events, you can visit their official website at au.int.