Overview and History of the AU

• Organization of African Unity formed in 1963

• Major achievements were to end remnants of colonial rule and apartheid
• The AU Launched on 9 July 2002 in South Africa
• Union consisting of 54 African states, headquartered in Adis Ababa
• Vision “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own
citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.”
• Mission “An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African
integration and development process in close collaboration with African
Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African
citizens.”
 The Objectives of the AU

• 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 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 and other relevant human rights instruments;
• To establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role
in the global economy and in international negotiations;
• To promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well
as the integration of African economies;
• To promote co-operation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of
African peoples
 Organs of the AU and their functions

The Assembly Heads of state Highest decision-making organ

The Executive Foreign Ministers of Member States Prepares decisions for the
Council Assembly

The AU Chairperson; Deputy Chairperson;

Eight (8) Commissioners. Staff Central role in the day-to-day
Commission management of the AU.
members
Permanent
Representatives' Ambassadors of Member States Preparing the work of the
Committee Executive Council.
Economic, Social,
and Cultural Social and professional groups of the
Civil society consultative body
Council Member States of the Union

Peace and Fifteen members elected on a regional Prevention, management and

Security Council basis by the Assembly resolution of conflicts

Pan- African 265 elected representatives from all 54 Civil society participation in process
Parliament AU states of democratic governance
 Critical Analysis/Review of the AU
• Proposals for an African central bank and an African monetary union at the
continental level are still on the drawing board
• AU’s record in stimulating the removal of trade barriers between countries
in the union is less than impressive
• Africa is richest in natural resources but it is the poorest continent
• Millions of African still survive from food aid from outside the continent
• Foreign companies routinely skirt tax laws
• African countries still export unprocessed raw materials
• Subtle recolonisation of Africa
• Africa loses twice as much in illicit financial outflows as it receives in
international aid