‘The African Union: Promoting Unity and Development on the African Continent.’
28 March 2024
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Written by Nelly Chelagat
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On May 25th each year , people across Africa celebrate African Union Day. This day marks the anniversary of the founding of the African Union. A continental organization that is dedicated to fostering unity, peace , and development . The AU is a powerful force for change in Africa , and its work has had a significant impact on the lives of the African people.
It is with this regard , we need to look into what AU is , its history and Visions for this richly diverse continent , we call home to.
The African Union.
The African Union is a continental body consisting of 55 member states of the African states . It was officially launched in 2002 to promote cooperation and unity among the member states .
The Organization’s main objectives are to promote peace , security and development on the continent.
Thus as such its Vision is to be: ‘ An Integrated , Prosperous , and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.’
Headquarters of the African Union is based in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia.
The African Union was created as a successor of the parental institution Organization of the African Unity [ OAU].That was established in May 1963.
OAU was formed during the end of the decolonization era of most of the African states.
Its main objective was to get rid of the remaining vestiges of colonization and apartheid . While promoting unity and solidarity amongst African states.After the persistent fight of the end of colonization and apartheid , it was clear that the OAU had attained its goals .
Thus there was a need of having a new ,and more revamped organization that would lead the continent in achieving its potential growth in the ever changing world.
This led to the relaunching of a new organization called the African Union in 2002.
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Key Organs in the African Union Organization.
The work of the African Union is implemented through several principal decision making organs;
The Assembly of Heads of State and Governance.
The Assembly plays a number of crucial roles within the organization. They include :
It is responsible for making major decisions and policies of the AU.
It also adopts the AU budget and approves the appointment of the AUC chair and deputy chair , as well as other AU senior officials .
The Assembly has the power to suspend or expel member states from the organization if they are found in violation of AU’s Constitutive Act.
They meet once a year to discuss these issues and other major activities that affect the organization.
Every Two years the Assembly converges to elect the chairperson and deputy chair of the African Union Commission.
The Executive Council
Members of the Executive Council are made up of ministers from different dockets of the member states . They include the Foreign affairs , defense , finance , Justice Ministers .
Every member state is represented by ten of these ministers in the council.
The council meets up frequently to discuss and make decisions on issues affecting the AU .
They are also mandated with the task of coordinating the work of various committees and agencies across the board in the organization
The Permanent Representatives Committee
The PRC is made of the Ambassadors of the individual member states to the African Union. They play a key role in representing their countries at the AU , and also participate in the work of the various committees and agencies within the organization.
African Union Commission
It is the AU, secretariat and its the main decision making body of the Organization
It is also responsible for coordinating and implementing the policies and Programs of the African Union.
It consists of the Chairperson , the Deputy chair, eight Commissioners , who are responsible for different areas . That is the political affairs, peace and security , and social affairs .
How do the officials get into office?
The Assembly elects the AUC chairperson , and his / her deputy chair after a rigorous validation process . The remaining eight commissioners are also elected by the Executive council , who are then appointed by the Assembly
The commission members’ terms are for four years , renewable once
The [ AUC ] is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia .
Other Structures that aid in the smooth running of the African Union .They include
The African Court of Justice and Human Rights.
The court was established in 2004 , whose mandate is to protect human rights and promote the rule of law in Africa.
It comprises of two chambers ;
General Affairs Chamber
The chamber deals with matters relating to the interpretation and application of the African Union treaties.
Human Rights Chamber
The chamber deals with cases involving human rights violations. It also has the power to hear cases referred to it by the Organization or the member states.
Headquarters of the African Court of Justice are based in Arusha , Tanzania
Pan- African Parliament.
It is made up of representatives from all member states of the African Union.
Its main role is to promote cooperation and integration between the African countries .
Furthermore it has the power to debate and make recommendations on issues relating to the African Union treaties.
The Economic , Social , and Cultural Council.
The council is responsible for advising the African Union on economic , social , and cultural issues . It also promotes development and reduction of poverty in Africa.
Programs and Initiatives of the African Union.
The organization has several programs aimed at promoting development . They include;
New Partnership for Africa’s Development.
NEPAD- Is a program that aims to promote economic growth and development in Africa
African Union Development Agency.[ AUDA]
The programme is responsible for coordinating and implementing development projects across the continent.
Initiatives by The African Union.
The African Union has goals and visions to make Africa a hub of technological innovations , fostering developed trade that is at par with the other continents , and eradication of poverty by the year 2063. As such the organization developed an initiative titled’ African Union Agenda 2063 ‘. Let us look into the Initiative of ‘ Agenda 2063’.
African Union Agenda 2063
Agenda 2063 is Africa’s development blueprint to achieve inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development over a 50 year period.The continent aims to achieve this objective through the realization of five ten - year implementation plans . There are several aspirations that the African Union Agenda 2063 , that was created around .These are ;
Prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.
An integrated continent , politically united and with seamless borders.
Continent with a strong Cultural Identity, Common Heritage , Value and Ethics.
An Africa of Good Governance . Democracy . Respect for Human Rights , Justice and the Rule of Law .
Peaceful and Secure Africa
An Africa whose development is people driven , relying on the potential offered by African People , especially its Women and Youth , and caring for children.
Africa as a strong , United , Resilient and Influential Global player and partner .
Commendable progress has been done in regards to the Agenda 2063 . This includes the launching of the African Continental Free Trade Area [ AFCFTA] in 2018
African Continental Free Trade Area [ AFCFTA]
It's the world’s largest free trade area in terms of member states , and it's designed to promote trade and economic integration across Africa
Mandates of the AFCFTA
Facilitation of the free intra African Trade ,as a results of removing tariffs and non- tariff barriers on commodities
Boost industrialization, competitiveness and innovations, ultimately contributing to Africa’s economic development and social progress
Provision of opportunities for small businesses and women owned businesses to participate in global trade .
Other Initiatives established by the African Union are based on the peace and security of the continent with an aim of achieving the long term goals in mind . These initiatives include ;
African Peace and Security Architecture.[ APSA].
It is a framework that aims to prevent , manage , and resolve conflicts in Africa.
The APSA is made up of three main components.
The African Standby Force - Its a rapid response force that can be deployed to support peace and security operations in the continent
Peace Fund- Provides financial support for peace and security initiatives.
Continental Early Warning Systems - They assist to identify and monitor potential conflicts before they escalate.
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