African Union#Migration

The objectives of the African Union are:{{Cite web |url=https://au.int/sites/default/files/pages/34873-file-constitutiveact_en.pdf |title=Constitutive Act |access-date=2 May 2021 |publisher=African Union |archive-date=15 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415235637/https://au.int/sites/default/files/pages/34873-file-constitutiveact_en.pdf |url-status=live }}

1. To achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity among the African countries and African nations.
2. To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.
3. To accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent.{{cite web |url=https://www.guambia.com.uy/67/evolution-of-geopolitical-dynamics-in-africa/2312/ |title=Evolution of Geopolitical Dynamics in Africa |website=Guambia |date=28 November 2024 |access-date=2025-01-02}}{{cite web |url=https://kcsgroup.com/the-new-power-play-in-africa-russia-china-and-the-shifting-sands-of-influence/ |title=The New Power Play in Africa: Russia, China, and the Shifting Sands of Influence |website=KCS Group |access-date=2025-01-02}}
4. To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.
5. To encourage international cooperation, taking due account of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
6. To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
7. To promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.
8. 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.
9. To establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international negotiations.
10. To promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies.
11. To promote co-operation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African people.
12. To coordinate and harmonise the policies between the existing and future Regional Economic Communities for the gradual attainment of the objectives of the Union.
13. To advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, in particular in science and technology.
14. To work with relevant international partners in the eradication of preventable diseases and the promotion of good health on the continent.

The African Union is made up of both political and administrative bodies. The highest decision-making organ is the Assembly of the African Union, made up of all the heads of state or government of member states of the AU. The Assembly is chaired by Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The AU also has a representative body, the Pan-African Parliament, which consists of 265 members elected by the national legislatures of the AU member states. Its president is Roger Nkodo Dang.

Other political institutions of the AU include:

• the Executive Council, made up of foreign ministers, which prepares decisions for the Assembly;
• the Permanent Representatives Committee, made up of the ambassadors to Addis Ababa of AU member states; and
• the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), a civil society consultative body.

The AU Commission, the secretariat to the political structures, is chaired by Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma of South Africa. On 15 July 2012, Dlamini-Zuma won a tightly contested vote to become the first female head of the African Union Commission, replacing Jean Ping of Gabon.

Other AU structures are hosted by different member states:

• the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights is based in Banjul, the Gambia; and
• the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and APRM Secretariats and the Pan-African Parliament are in Midrand, South Africa.

The AU's first military intervention in a member state was the May 2003 deployment of a peacekeeping force of soldiers from South Africa, Ethiopia, and Mozambique to oversee the implementation of the various agreements in Burundi. AU troops were also deployed in Sudan for peacekeeping during the Darfur Conflict, before the mission was handed over to the United Nations on 1 January 2008 via UNAMID. The AU has a peacekeeping mission in Somalia, consisting of troops from Uganda and Burundi.{{Cite news |date=2010-07-27 |title=African Union adds 4,000 troops to Somalia peace force |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE66Q23I |access-date=2022-05-17 |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517045202/https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE66Q23I |url-status=live }}

The AU has adopted a number of important new documents establishing norms at the continental level, to supplement those already in force when it was created. These include the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (2003), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (2007), the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) and its associated Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic and Corporate Governance.[http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Documents/Treaties/treaties.htm Africa-union.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070604051527/http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Documents/Treaties/treaties.htm |date=4 June 2007 }}

{{Main|History of the African Union|History of Africa}}

The historical foundations of the African Union originated in the First Congress of Independent African States, held in Accra, Ghana from 15 to 22 April 1958. The conference was aimed at establishing Africa Day to annually mark the liberation movement concerning the willingness of the African people to free themselves from colonial rule, as well as subsequent attempts to unite Africa, including the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), which was established on 25 May 1963, and the African Economic Community in 1991.[https://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/history-africa-day-25-may] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181210205406/http://www.sahistory.org.za/topic/history-africa-day-25-may|date=10 December 2018}} South African History Online (SAHO), 15 May 2018. Critics argued that the OAU in particular did little to protect the rights and liberties of African citizens from their own political leaders, often dubbing it the "Dictators' Club".

The idea of creating the AU was revived in the mid-1990s under the leadership of Libyan head of state Muammar al-Gaddafi;{{Cite web|date=2011-08-26|title=Gaddafi: the man who would be king of Africa |first=Adekeye |last=Adebajo |url=http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/26/gaddafi-legacy-meddling-africa|access-date=2021-03-31|website=The Guardian|language=en|archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414011605/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/aug/26/gaddafi-legacy-meddling-africa|url-status=live}} the heads of state and governments of the OAU issued the Sirte Declaration (named after Sirte, Libya) on 9 September 1999, calling for the establishment of an African Union.{{Cite web|date=2011-12-05|title=The African Union After Gaddafi |url=http://blogs.shu.edu/journalofdiplomacy/2011/12/the-african-union-after-gaddafi/|access-date=2021-03-31|website=The Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations |language=en-US|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410172928/http://blogs.shu.edu/journalofdiplomacy/2011/12/the-african-union-after-gaddafi/|url-status=live}} The Declaration was followed by summits at Lomé in 2000, when the Constitutive Act of the African Union was adopted, and at Lusaka in 2001, when the plan for the implementation of the African Union was adopted. During the same period, the initiative for the establishment of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) was also established.{{Cite web|title=African leaders elect OAU boss|date=July 10, 2001|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/africa/07/10/summit.secretary/index.html|access-date=2021-03-31|website=CNN |archive-date=14 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414032647/https://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/africa/07/10/summit.secretary/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2015-08-27|title=New Partnership for Africa's Development – NEPAD {{!}} Poverty Eradication|url=https://www.un.org/development/desa/socialperspectiveondevelopment/issues/new-partnership-for-africas-development-nepad.html/|access-date=2021-03-31|website=www.un.org|language=en-US|archive-date=19 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419153619/https://www.un.org/development/desa/socialperspectiveondevelopment/issues/new-partnership-for-africas-development-nepad.html|url-status=live}}

The African Union was launched in Durban on 9 July 2002 by its first chairperson, former South African head of state Thabo Mbeki, at the first session of the Assembly of the African Union.{{Cite web|date=2016-11-18|title=The African Union is launched|url=https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/september-2002/african-union-launched|access-date=2021-03-31|website=Africa Renewal|language=en|archive-date=16 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416010303/https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/september-2002/african-union-launched|url-status=live}} The second session of the Assembly was held in Maputo in 2003 and the third session in Addis Ababa was held on 6 July 2004.

Since 2010, the African Union eyes the establishment of a joint African space agency.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=David |title=Africa prepares to join the big boys in the space race |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/05/africa-space-programme-david-smith |newspaper=The Guardian |date=5 September 2010 |access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-date=16 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161116213335/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2010/sep/05/africa-space-programme-david-smith |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Smith |first=David |title=Sudanese president calls for African space agency |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/06/sudanese-president-african-space-agency |newspaper=The Guardian |date=6 September 2012 |access-date=16 December 2016 |archive-date=2 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102203403/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2012/sep/06/sudanese-president-african-space-agency |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://phys.org/news/2012-09-ministers-african-space-agency.html |title=Africa eyes joint space agency |publisher=Phys.org |date=11 September 2012 |access-date=21 October 2013 |archive-date=21 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131021070210/http://phys.org/news/2012-09-ministers-african-space-agency.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201008090886.html |title=AU to Establish African Space Agency |first1=Onyebuchi |last1=Ezigbo |first2=Lois |last2=Okpara |publisher=All Africa |date=9 August 2010 |access-date=11 December 2015 |archive-date=12 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140212084442/http://allafrica.com/stories/201008090886.html |url-status=live }}

Barack Obama was the first-ever sitting United States president to speak in front of the African Union in Addis Ababa on 29 July 2015. During his speech, he encouraged the world to increase economic ties via investments and trade with the continent and lauded the signs of progress made in education, infrastructure and economy. However, he also criticized a lack of democracy and leaders who refuse to step down, discrimination against minorities (including LGBT people, religious groups and ethnicities) and corruption. He suggested an intensified democratization and free trade to significantly increase living quality for Africans.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Carol E. |title=Obama Becomes First U.S. President to Address African Union |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/obama-becomes-first-u-s-president-to-address-african-union-1438090849 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |date=28 July 2015 |access-date=29 July 2015 |archive-date=29 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729094216/http://www.wsj.com/articles/obama-becomes-first-u-s-president-to-address-african-union-1438090849 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Remarks by President Obama to the People of Africa |url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/28/remarks-president-obama-people-africa |via=National Archives |work=whitehouse.gov |date=28 July 2015 |access-date=29 July 2015 |archive-date=20 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170120220442/https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/the-press-office/2015/07/28/remarks-president-obama-people-africa |url-status=live }}

{{AU evolution timeline}}

{{Politics of the African Union}}

The African Union has a number of official bodies:

; Pan-African Parliament (PAP): To become the highest legislative body of the African Union. The seat of the PAP is at Midrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. The Parliament is composed of 265 elected representatives from all 55 AU states, and intended to provide popular and civil-society participation in the processes of democratic governance. Its president is Roger Nkodo Dang, of Cameroon.

; Assembly of the African Union: Composed of heads of state and heads of government of AU states, the Assembly is currently the supreme governing body of the African Union. It is gradually devolving some of its decision-making powers to the Pan-African Parliament. It meets once a year and makes its decisions by consensus or by a two-thirds majority. The current chair of the AU is President Macky Sall, President of Senegal.

; African Union Commission (or Authority) : The secretariat of the African Union, composed of ten commissioners and supporting staff and headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In a similar fashion to its European counterpart, the European Commission, it is responsible for the administration and coordination of the AU's activities and meetings.

; Court of Justice of the African Union: The Constitutive Act provides for a Court of Justice to rule on disputes over interpretation of AU treaties. A protocol to set up this Court of Justice was adopted in 2003 and entered into force in 2009. It was, however, superseded by a protocol creating an African Court of Justice and Human Rights, which will incorporate the already established African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (see below) and have two chambers: one for general legal matters and one for rulings on the human rights treaties.

; Executive Council: Composed of ministers designated by the governments of member states. It decides on matters such as foreign trade, social security, food, agriculture and communications, is accountable to the Assembly, and prepares material for the Assembly to discuss and approve. It is chaired by Shawn Makuyana of Zimbabwe (2015– ).

; Permanent Representatives' Committee: Consisting of nominated permanent representatives of member states, the Committee prepares the work for the Executive Council, similar to the role of the Committee of Permanent Representatives in the European Union.

; Peace and Security Council (PSC): Proposed at the Lusaka Summit in 2001 and established in 2004 under a protocol to the Constitutive Act adopted by the AU Assembly in July 2002. The protocol defines the PSC as a collective security and early-warning arrangement to facilitate timely and effective response to conflict and crisis situations in Africa. Other responsibilities conferred to the PSC by the protocol include prevention, management and resolution of conflicts, post-conflict peace building and developing common defence policies. The PSC has fifteen members elected on a regional basis by the Assembly. Similar in intent and operation to the United Nations Security Council.

; Economic, Social and Cultural Council:An advisory organ composed of professional and civic representatives, similar to the European Economic and Social Committee. The chair of ECOSOCC, elected in 2008, is Cameroonian lawyer Akere Muna of the Pan-African Lawyers Union (PALU).

; Specialised Technical Committees: Both the Abuja Treaty and the Constitutive Act provide for Specialised Technical Committees to be established made up of African ministers to advise the Assembly. In practice, they have never been set up. The ten proposed themes are: Rural Economy and Agricultural Matters; Monetary and Financial Affairs; Trade, Customs, and Immigration; Industry, Science and Technology; Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment; Transport, Communications, and Tourism; Health; Labour, and Social Affairs; Education, Culture, and Human Resources.

; Financial institutions

• African Central Bank – Abuja, Nigeria
• African Investment Bank – Tripoli, Libya
• African Monetary Fund – Yaoundé, Cameroon

These institutions have not yet been established; however, the Steering Committees working on their founding have been constituted. Eventually, the AU aims to have a single currency (the Afro).

; Health: The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), founded in 2016 and launched in 2017. Its Headquarters are in Addis Ababa Ethiopia.{{cite web|url=https://au.int/en/newsevents/20170131/africa-cdc-official-launch|title= Africa CDC Official Launch|publisher=African Union|date=2017-01-31 |access-date=2020-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180630023917/https://au.int/en/newsevents/20170131/africa-cdc-official-launch|archive-date=30 June 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://reliefweb.int/report/world/african-union-launches-africa-cdc-continent-wide-public-health-agency | title= The African Union launches Africa CDC, a Continent-wide Public Health Agency|date= 2017-02-02| work= Reliefweb | access-date=2020-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322180037/https://reliefweb.int/report/world/african-union-launches-africa-cdc-continent-wide-public-health-agency|archive-date=22 March 2020}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/stories/africa-cdc.html | title=Africa CDC: Improving Disease Detection and Emergency Response on the African Continent | date=2017-07-27 | publisher= Centers for Disease Control and Prevention| access-date=2020-04-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200322180936/https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/stories/africa-cdc.html|archive-date=22 March 2020}}{{Cite web|title=Inspection visit to Africa CDC Headquarters building site|url=https://africacdc.org/news-item/inspection-visit-to-africa-cdc-headquarters-building-site/|access-date=2022-02-05|website=Africa CDC|language=en-GB|archive-date=5 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205114846/https://africacdc.org/news-item/inspection-visit-to-africa-cdc-headquarters-building-site/|url-status=live}}

; Human rights: The African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, in existence since 1986, is established under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (the African Charter) rather than the Constitutive Act of the African Union. It is the premier African human rights body, with responsibility for monitoring and promoting compliance with the African Charter. The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights was established in 2006 to supplement the work of the commission, following the entry into force of a protocol to the African Charter providing for its creation. It is planned that the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights will be merged with the Court of Justice of the African Union (see above).

; Space: The African Space Agency was officially formed in 2023. It is headquartered in Cairo.

; Energy: The African Energy Commission was founded in 2008, and is based in Algiers.

{{Main|Member states of the African Union}}

All UN member states based in Africa and on African islands are members of the AU, as is the partially recognized state of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Morocco withdrew from the Organisation of African Unity in 1984 due to the admission as a member state of the SADR, whose territory of Western Sahara it claims sovereignty over. It was readmitted by the AU as a member state on 30 January 2017.{{cite news |date=30 January 2017 |title=Morocco rejoins African Union |publisher=Worldbulletin |url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/183967/morocco-rejoins-african-union |url-status=usurped |access-date=31 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720013737/http://www.worldbulletin.net/todays-news/183967/morocco-rejoins-african-union |archive-date=20 July 2018}} Somaliland, which is claimed by Somalia, applied to join the AU in 2005.{{cite book |author=Nelson, Elizabeth A. |title=Regional Politics and State Secession |publisher=Edward Elgar Publishing |year=2021 |isbn=978-1-83910-377-3 |pages=105}}

Mali was suspended from the African Union on 19 August 2020 following a military coup.{{cite news |title=African Union suspends Mali following coup |work=Agence France-Presse, Reuters |publisher=Deutsche Welle |url=https://www.dw.com/en/african-union-suspends-mali-following-coup/a-54626415 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=13 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210913003040/https://www.dw.com/en/african-union-suspends-mali-following-coup/a-54626415 |url-status=live }} On 9 October of the same year, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union lifted the suspension imposed on Mali, citing progress made to return to democracy.{{Cite web |title=African Union lifts Mali's suspension imposed in the wake of coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/9/african-union-lifts-malis-suspension-imposed-in-the-wake-of-coup |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009202811/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/9/african-union-lifts-malis-suspension-imposed-in-the-wake-of-coup |archive-date=9 October 2020 |access-date=2020-10-09 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en}} The country was again suspended on 1 June 2021, following its second military coup within nine months.{{cite news |date=2 June 2021 |title=African Union announces 'immediate suspension' of Mali after second coup |work=France 24, Reuters, Agence France-Presse |publisher=France 24 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210602-african-union-announces-immediately-suspension-of-mali-after-second-coup |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912141924/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210602-african-union-announces-immediately-suspension-of-mali-after-second-coup |url-status=live }}

Guinea's membership was also suspended by the African Union on 10 September 2021, after a military coup deposed the country's President Alpha Condé.{{cite news |date=10 September 2021 |title=African Union suspends Guinea after coup, as envoys arrive for talks |work=France 24, Agence France-Presse |publisher=France 24 |url=https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210910-african-union-suspends-guinea-after-coup-ousting-cond%C3%A9 |access-date=12 September 2021 |archive-date=12 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912022912/https://www.france24.com/en/africa/20210910-african-union-suspends-guinea-after-coup-ousting-cond%C3%A9 |url-status=live }}

Sudan's membership was suspended by the African Union on 27 October 2021, after a military coup deposed the civilian government led by Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.{{Cite web |title=African Union suspends Sudan over coup |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/27/african-union-suspends-sudan-over-coup |access-date=2021-10-27 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=27 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027130242/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/10/27/african-union-suspends-sudan-over-coup |url-status=live }}

Burkina Faso's membership was suspended by the African Union in the aftermath of a military coup on 31 January 2022.{{Cite web |title=AU suspends Burkina Faso after coup as envoys head for talks |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/31/africa-union-suspends-burkina-faso-after-coup-as-envoys-head-for-talks |access-date=2022-01-31 |website=www.aljazeera.com |language=en |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223062926/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/1/31/africa-union-suspends-burkina-faso-after-coup-as-envoys-head-for-talks |url-status=live }}

Niger's membership was suspended by the African Union on 22 August 2023 following a military coup in late July that deposed democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum; this has since also led to the 2023 Nigerien crisis.{{Cite news |date=2023-08-22 |title=African Union suspends participation of Niger following coup |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-union-suspends-niger-all-its-activities-following-coup-2023-08-22/ |access-date=2023-08-22 |archive-date=6 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906024202/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-union-suspends-niger-all-its-activities-following-coup-2023-08-22/ |url-status=live }}

Gabon's membership was suspended by the African Union on 31 August 2023 following a military coup that deposed president Ali Bongo Ondimba.{{Cite web |last=Newspaper |first=The Peninsula |date=2023-08-31 |title=African Union says to 'immediately suspend' Gabon after coup |url=https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/31/08/2023/african-union-says-to-immediately-suspend-gabon-after-coup |access-date=2023-08-31 |website=thepeninsulaqatar.com |language=en |archive-date=2 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230902185942/http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/31/08/2023/african-union-says-to-immediately-suspend-gabon-after-coup |url-status=live }} In April 2025, the Peace and Security Council of the African Union rejoined the African Union and decided to lift sanctions against Gabon.{{cite web |url=https://www.aa.com.tr/fr/afrique/l-union-africaine-l%C3%A8ve-les-sanctions-contre-le-gabon-apr%C3%A8s-son-retour-%C3%A0-l-ordre-constitutionnel/3553598 |title=L’Union africaine lève les sanctions contre le Gabon après son retour à l’ordre constitutionnel |work=aa.com.tr |date=30 April 2025|access-date=30 April 2025}}

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• {{DZA}}
• {{AGO}}
• {{BEN}}
• {{BWA}}
• {{BFA}} (suspended)
• {{BDI}}
• {{CMR}}
• {{CPV}}
• {{CAF}}
• {{TCD}}
• {{COM}}
• {{COD}}
• {{COG}}
• {{DJI}}
• {{EGY}}
• {{GNQ}}
• {{ERI}}
• {{SWZ}}
• {{ETH}}
• {{GAB}}
• {{GMB}}
• {{GHA}}
• {{GIN}} (suspended)
• {{GNB}}
• {{CIV}}
• {{KEN}}
• {{LSO}}
• {{LBR}}
• {{LBY}}
• {{MDG}}
• {{MWI}}
• {{MLI}} (suspended)
• {{MRT}}
• {{MUS}}
• {{MAR}}
• {{MOZ}}
• {{NAM}}
• {{NER}} (suspended)
• {{NGA}}
• {{RWA}}
• {{SADR}}
• {{STP}}
• {{SEN}}
• {{SYC}}
• {{SLE}}
• {{SOM}}
• {{ZAF}}
• {{SSD}}
• {{SDN}} (suspended)
• {{TZA}}
• {{TGO}}
• {{TUN}}
• {{UGA}}
• {{ZMB}}
• {{ZWE}}

{{div col end}}

• {{HAI}}{{cite web |title=Haiti Will Not Join the African Union |url=https://haitihub.com/haiti-and-the-african-union/ |website=Haiti Hub |access-date=22 June 2023 |date=22 May 2016 |archive-date=22 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622142803/https://haitihub.com/haiti-and-the-african-union/ |url-status=live }}
• {{ISR}} (suspended as of February 2023){{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/20/african-union-says-israels-observer-status-suspended|title=African Union says Israel's observer status suspended|website=www.aljazeera.com|access-date=10 September 2023|archive-date=8 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908195006/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/20/african-union-says-israels-observer-status-suspended|url-status=live}}{{Cite news |author=((i24NEWS)) |date=2022-02-06 |title=Israel dispute erupts at African Union summit |language=en |work=Ynetnews |url=https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1lpw16ay |access-date=2022-02-06 |archive-date=6 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206151241/https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b1lpw16ay |url-status=live }}
• {{KAZ}}{{Cite web |title=Kazakhstan's Observer status at the African Union: What Does It Mean for Africa? |url=https://www.igd.org.za/index.php/11327-kazakhstan-s-observer-status-at-the-african-union-what-does-it-mean-for-africa |access-date=2022-02-06 |website=www.igd.org.za |archive-date=27 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327081029/https://www.igd.org.za/index.php/11327-kazakhstan-s-observer-status-at-the-african-union-what-does-it-mean-for-africa |url-status=dead }}
• {{LAT}}{{Cite web|date=2012-01-11|url=http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2012/january/11-3/|title=Latvia becomes observer to African Union|publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia|website=www.mfa.gov.lv|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140918030201/http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/news/press-releases/2012/january/11-3/|archive-date=18 September 2014}}
• {{MEX}}{{Cite web |date=2012-06-18 |title=Chairperson Receives the Credentials of the First Permanent Observer of Mexico to the African Union |url=https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20120618-3 |website=au.int |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-date=1 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220901115222/https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20120618-3 |url-status=live }}
• {{flag|Palestine}}{{Cite web |date=2013-05-27 |title=AU grants Palestine observer status |url=http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/au-grants-palestine-observer-status |publisher=Egypt Independent |first=Fathya |last=el-Dakhakhni |website=egyptindependent.com |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-date=29 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229042151/http://www.egyptindependent.com/news/au-grants-palestine-observer-status |url-status=live }}
• {{SRB}}{{Cite web|date=30 January 2014|language=sr-latn|title=Mrkić na samitu u Adis Abebi|url=https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2014&mm=01&dd=30&nav_category=11&nav_id=806062|website=b92.net|access-date=10 September 2023|archive-date=16 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616071458/https://www.b92.net/info/vesti/index.php?yyyy=2014&mm=01&dd=30&nav_category=11&nav_id=806062|url-status=live}}
• {{TUR}}{{Cite web |date=2022-01-11 |title=What's driving Turkey's commercial & military relations with Africa? |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/165012/whats-driving-turkeys-commercial-military-relations-with-africa/ |access-date=2022-02-06 |website=The Africa Report.com |language=en-US |archive-date=6 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206151227/https://www.theafricareport.com/165012/whats-driving-turkeys-commercial-military-relations-with-africa/ |url-status=live }}
• {{UKR}}{{Cite web |date=2016-06-22 |title=Ukraine has obtained the observer status in the African Union |url=https://mfa.gov.ua/en/news/48625-ukrajina-nabula-status-sposterigacha-v-afrikansykomu-sojuzi |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine |website=mfa.gov.ua |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-date=16 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230616071456/https://mfa.gov.ua/en/news/48625-ukrajina-nabula-status-sposterigacha-v-afrikansykomu-sojuzi |url-status=live }}
• {{ARE}}{{Cite web |title=Chairperson Receives Credentials of the Permanent Observer of the United Arab Emirates. {{!}} African Union |url=https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20110316-0 |access-date=2022-02-06 |website=au.int |archive-date=6 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206151252/https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20110316-0 |url-status=live }}

The principal topic for debate at the July 2007 AU summit held in Accra, Ghana, was the creation of a Union Government,Decision on the Report of the 9th Extraordinary session of the executive council on the proposals for the Union Government, DOC.Assembly/AU/10 (VIII), Assembly/AU/Dec.156 (VIII). with the aim of moving towards a United States of Africa. A study on the Union Government was adopted in late 2006,Study on an African Union Government: Towards a United States of Africa, 2006. See also, Decision on the Union Government, Doc. Assembly/AU/2(VII). and proposes various options for "completing" the African Union project. There are divisions among African states on the proposals, with some (notably Libya) following a maximalist view leading to a common government with an AU army; and others (especially the southern African states) supporting rather a strengthening of the existing structures, with some reforms to deal with administrative and political challenges in making the AU Commission and other bodies truly effective.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pambazuka.org/aumonitor/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070608200746/http://www.pambazuka.org/aumonitor/|url-status=dead|title=Pambazuka.org|archive-date=8 June 2007}}

Following a heated debate in Accra, the Assembly of Heads of State and Government agreed in the form of a declaration to review the state of affairs of the AU with a view to determining its readiness towards a Union Government.Accra Declaration, Assembly of the Union at its 9th Ordinary session in Accra, Ghana, 1–3 July 2007. In particular, the Assembly agreed to:

• Accelerate the economic and political integration of the African continent, including the formation of a Union Government of Africa;
• Conduct an audit of the institutions and organs of the AU; review the relationship between the AU and the RECs; find ways to strengthen the AU and elaborate a timeframe to establish a Union Government of Africa.

The declaration lastly noted the "importance of involving the African peoples, including Africans in the Diaspora, in the processes leading to the formation of the Union Government".

Following this decision, a panel of eminent persons was set up to conduct the "audit review". The review team began its work on 1 September 2007. The review was presented to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the January 2008 summit in Addis Ababa. No final decision was taken on the recommendations, however, and a committee of ten heads of state was appointed to consider the review and report back to the July 2008 summit to be held in Egypt.{{cite web |url=http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/2008/january/summit/docs/decisions/Assembly.Dec_171%20-%20192%20_X_%20-%20Addis_February_2008.pdf |title=Decision on the Report of the Executive Council on the Audit of the Union and the Report of the Ministerial Committee on the Union Government, Doc. Assembly/Au/8(X) |access-date=26 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222043847/http://www.africa-union.org/root/au/Conferences/2008/january/summit/docs/decisions/Assembly.Dec_171%20-%20192%20_X_%20-%20Addis_February_2008.pdf |archive-date=22 February 2012}} At the July 2008 summit, a decision was once again deferred, for a "final" debate at the January 2009 summit to be held in Addis Ababa.

{{Supranational African Bodies|align=right|size=500px}}

One of the key debates in relation to the achievement of greater continental integration is the relative priority that should be given to integration of the continent as a unit in itself or to integration of the sub-regions. The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action for the Development of Africa and the 1991 treaty to establish the African Economic Community (also referred to as the Abuja Treaty), proposed the creation of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the basis for African integration, with a timetable for regional and then continental integration to follow.See note on [https://web.archive.org/web/20040906140832/http://www.dfa.gov.za/docs/2003/au0815.htm The Role of the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) as the Building Blocks of the African Union] prepared by the South African Department of Foreign Affairs.

Currently, there are eight RECs recognised by the AU, each established under a separate regional treaty. They are:

• the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU)
• the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
• the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD)
• the East African Community (EAC)
• the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
• the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD)
• the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC)

The membership of many of the communities overlaps, and their rationalisation has been under discussion for several years—and formed the theme of the 2006 Banjul summit. At the July 2007 Accra summit the Assembly finally decided to adopt a Protocol on Relations between the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities.Decision on the Protocol on Relations between the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Assembly/AU/Dec.166 (IX). This protocol is intended to facilitate the harmonisation of policies and ensure compliance with the Abuja Treaty and Lagos Plan of Action time frames.

In 2006, the AU decided to create a Committee "to consider the implementation of a rotation system between the regions" in relation to the presidency. Controversy arose at the 2006 summit when Sudan announced its candidacy for the AU's chairmanship, as a representative of the East African region. Several member states refused to support Sudan because of tensions over Darfur (see also below). Sudan ultimately withdrew its candidacy and President Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo was elected to a one-year term. At the January 2007 summit, Sassou-Nguesso was replaced by President John Agyekum Kufuor of Ghana, despite another attempt by Sudan to gain the chair. The year 2007 was the 50th anniversary of Ghana's independence, a symbolic moment for the country to hold the chair of the AU—and to host the mid-year summit at which the proposed Union Government was also discussed. In January 2008, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania took over as chair, representing the East African region and thus apparently ending Sudan's attempt to become chair—at least till the rotation returned to East Africa.See [http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AU_People-DrivenNov07.pdf Towards a People-Driven African Union: Current Obstacles and New Opportunities] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216054523/http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AU_People-DrivenNov07.pdf |date=16 February 2008 }}, AfriMAP, AFRODAD and Oxfam GB, Updated Edition November 2007, pp. 45–46, and [http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AfriMAP-AU-Guide-EN.pdf Strengthening Popular Participation in the African Union: A Guide to AU Structures and Processes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927110741/http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AfriMAP-AU-Guide-EN.pdf |date=27 September 2013 }}, AfriMAP and Oxfam GB, 2010, pp. 8–9. The current chair is Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania, whose term began on February 17, 2024.{{cite web | url=https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_4033947 | title=President of Mauritania Elected as New Chairperson of AU }}

{{main|Chairperson of the African Union}}

File:Jakaya Kikwete and Muammar al-Gaddafi, 12th AU Summit, 090202-N-0506A-678.jpg embracing Tanzanian President Kikwete after assuming the chairmanship]]

{{Clear|left}}

{{Main|African Union Conference Center and Office Complex}}

The main administrative capital of the African Union is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the African Union Commission is headquartered. A new headquarters complex, the AU Conference Center and Office Complex (AUCC), was inaugurated on 28 January 2012, during the 18th AU summit.Press release No 13 / 18th AU Summit : [http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/28%2001%202012_18SUMMIT_PR_INAUGURATION.pdf Inauguration of the new African Union Conference Center] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216164902/http://www.au.int/en/sites/default/files/28%2001%202012_18SUMMIT_PR_INAUGURATION.pdf|date=16 February 2012}}. Directorate of Information and Communication. African Union Commission (28 January 2012). The complex was built by China State Construction Engineering Corporation as a gift from the Chinese government, and accommodates, among other facilities, a 2,500-seat plenary hall and a 20-story office tower. The tower is 99.9 meters high to signify the date 9 September 1999, when the Organisation of African Unity voted to become the African Union.{{cite web |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-01/30/content_14502354.htm |title=New headquarters shows partnership entering era of hope: Ethiopia PM |last=Linyan |first=Wang |website=China Daily |access-date=2 February 2012 |archive-date=29 March 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329195054/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/cndy/2012-01/30/content_14502354.htm |url-status=live }} The building cost US$200 million to construct.{{Cite news |url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/if-china-bugged-the-au-headquarters-what-african-countries-should-be-worried/ |title=If China Bugged the AU Headquarters, What African Countries Should Be Worried? |last=Tiezzi |first=Shannon |work=The Diplomat |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-date=5 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205001133/https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/if-china-bugged-the-au-headquarters-what-african-countries-should-be-worried/ |url-status=live }}

{{Main|2018 China–African Union espionage allegations}}

On 26 January 2018, five years after the completion of the building of the AU Headquarters, the French newspaper Le Monde{{Cite news |url=http://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2018/01/26/a-addis-abeba-le-siege-de-l-union-africaine-espionne-par-les-chinois_5247521_3212.html |title=A Addis-Abeba, le siège de l'Union africaine espionné par Pékin |website=Le Monde.fr |date=26 January 2018 |language=fr |access-date=4 February 2018 |archive-date=4 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204141153/http://www.lemonde.fr//afrique/article/2018/01/26/a-addis-abeba-le-siege-de-l-union-africaine-espionne-par-les-chinois_5247521_3212.html |url-status=live }} published an article stating that the Chinese government had heavily bugged the building, installing listening devices in the walls and furniture and setting up the computer system to copy data to servers in Shanghai daily. The Chinese government denied that they bugged the building, stating that the accusations were "utterly groundless and ridiculous". Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn rejected the French media report.{{Cite web |url=https://www.enca.com/africa/au-spying-report-absurd-china |title=AU spying report absurd: China |website=enca.com |access-date=21 March 2018 |archive-date=24 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824065955/https://www.enca.com/africa/au-spying-report-absurd-china |url-status=live }} Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the African Union Commission, said the allegations in the Le Monde{{'}}s report were false. "These are totally false allegations and I believe that we are completely disregarding them."{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-africanunion/african-union-says-has-no-secret-dossiers-after-china-spying-report-idUSKBN1FS19W |title=African Union says has no secret dossiers after China spying report |website=reuter.com |date=8 February 2018 |access-date=21 March 2018 |archive-date=10 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910185151/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-africanunion/african-union-says-has-no-secret-dossiers-after-china-spying-report-idUSKBN1FS19W |url-status=live |last1=Blanchard |first1=Ben }} The African Union replaced its Chinese-supplied servers and started encrypting its communications following the event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/29/16946802/china-african-union-spying-hq-cybersecurity-computers-backdoors-espionage|title=China denies claims it built backdoors into African Union's headquarters for spying|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=2018-01-29|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-10-09|archive-date=9 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009144348/https://www.theverge.com/2018/1/29/16946802/china-african-union-spying-hq-cybersecurity-computers-backdoors-espionage|url-status=live}}

File:Niger, Niamey, Boulevard Mali Béro (2)(Rue IB-56).jpg

{{Clear}}

{{main|Foreign relations of the African Union}}

The individual member states of the African Union coordinate foreign policy through this agency, in addition to conducting their own international relations on a state-by-state basis. The AU represents the interests of African peoples at large in intergovernmental organisations (IGOs); for instance, it is a permanent observer at the United Nations General Assembly. Both the African Union and the United Nations work in tandem to address issues of common concerns in various areas. The African Union Mission to the United Nations aspires to serve as a bridge between the two organisations.

Membership of the AU overlaps with other IGOs, and occasionally, these third-party organisations and the AU will coordinate on matters of public policy. The African Union maintains special diplomatic representation with the United States and the European Union.

{{See also|Group of 77|Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States}}

Many Caribbean nations have sought to deepen ties with the continent of Africa. The African Union has referred to the Caribbean as the potential "Sixth Region" of the bloc.[https://www.thestateofafricandiaspora.com/headquarters/ African Union 6th Region Diaspora Headquarters to be established in Accompong, Jamaica] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311035309/https://thestateofafricandiaspora.com/headquarters/ |date=11 March 2023 }}, 24 January 2018. Some Caribbean nations moved to join African institutions, including Barbados,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cbc.bb/cbctest/news/local-news/barbados-inks-mou-with-african-export-import-bank/|title=Barbados inks MOU with African Export-Import Bank|first=Lorna|last=Jones|access-date=17 July 2022|archive-date=17 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717182615/https://www.cbc.bb/cbctest/news/local-news/barbados-inks-mou-with-african-export-import-bank/|url-status=live}} the Bahamas and Guyana, which all became members of the African Export–Import Bank.{{Cite web|url=https://www.afreximbank.com/barbados-parliament-ratifies-partnership-agreement-with-afreximbank-as-guyanaand-bahamas-join-caricom-signatories/|title=Barbados Parliament ratifies Partnership Agreement with Afreximbank, as Guyanaand Bahamas join CARICOM signatories|date=5 December 2022|website=African Export-Import Bank|access-date=10 September 2023|archive-date=23 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323124813/https://www.afreximbank.com/barbados-parliament-ratifies-partnership-agreement-with-afreximbank-as-guyanaand-bahamas-join-caricom-signatories/|url-status=dead}} Also, the Caribbean Development Bank signed a cooperation strategic partnership agreement with the African Development Bank (AfDB).[https://www.businessamlive.com/afdb-cdb-move-to-deepen-africa-caribbean-cooperation-sign-mou/ AfDB, CDB move to deepen Africa, Caribbean cooperation, sign MoU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625194438/https://www.businessamlive.com/afdb-cdb-move-to-deepen-africa-caribbean-cooperation-sign-mou/ |date=25 June 2022 }}, June 18, 2022 Antigua and Barbuda has also shown interest in a direct transport link between Africa and the Caribbean.{{Cite web |date=2023-01-09 |title=Antigua Airways is airborne and ready to become the "pride of the Caribbean" |url=https://antiguanewsroom.com/antigua-airways-is-airborne-and-ready-to-become-the-pride-of-the-caribbean/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Antigua News Room |language=en-US |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423231330/https://antiguanewsroom.com/antigua-airways-is-airborne-and-ready-to-become-the-pride-of-the-caribbean/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=jennelsa.johnson |date=2023-04-17 |title=Government has not given up on Antigua Airways as company seeks to make comeback |url=https://antiguaobserver.com/government-has-not-given-up-on-antigua-airways-as-company-seeks-to-make-comeback/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Antigua Observer Newspaper |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424072842/https://antiguaobserver.com/government-has-not-given-up-on-antigua-airways-as-company-seeks-to-make-comeback/ |url-status=live }} However, it has resulted in some challenges regarding migration.{{Cite web |date=2023-03-28 |title=3 dead, 13 missing in Caribbean sinking; 14 Africans saved |url=https://apnews.com/article/antigua-boat-capsized-missing-dead-3a4393548ee5ad91a44d9687ec96a4d7 |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=31 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230531093832/https://apnews.com/article/antigua-boat-capsized-missing-dead-3a4393548ee5ad91a44d9687ec96a4d7 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Vivian |date=2023-03-29 |title=Tragedy at sea: Boat carrying African migrants from Antigua capsizes near St Kitts |url=https://antiguaobserver.com/tragedy-at-sea-boat-carrying-african-migrants-from-antigua-capsizes-near-st-kitts/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Antigua Observer Newspaper |language=en-GB |archive-date=20 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520064903/https://antiguaobserver.com/tragedy-at-sea-boat-carrying-african-migrants-from-antigua-capsizes-near-st-kitts/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Vivian |date=2023-03-31 |title=Fury as gov't says it bears no responsibility for migrant boat tragedy |url=https://antiguaobserver.com/fury-as-govt-says-it-bears-no-responsibility-for-migrant-boat-tragedy/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Antigua Observer Newspaper |language=en-GB |archive-date=19 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230419124847/https://antiguaobserver.com/fury-as-govt-says-it-bears-no-responsibility-for-migrant-boat-tragedy/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Less than 600 West African migrants remain in Antigua {{!}} Loop Caribbean News |url=https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/less-600-west-african-migrants-remain-antigua |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=Loop News |language=en |archive-date=10 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230910051756/https://caribbean.loopnews.com/content/less-600-west-african-migrants-remain-antigua |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-03-07 |title=The migrants stranded on an island they had not heard of |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64785503 |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230822235248/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-64785503 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2023-02-11 |title=Antigua Government says no automatic citizenship for stranded Africans |url=https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/caribbean-news/antigua-government-says-no-automatic-citizenship-for-stranded-africans/ |access-date=2023-04-19 |website=CNW Network |language=en-US |archive-date=23 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230423182748/https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/caribbean-news/antigua-government-says-no-automatic-citizenship-for-stranded-africans/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Africa–China relations}}

One of the leading economic partners of the continent has been the People's Republic of China (PRC). The Forum on China–Africa Cooperation is the main multi-lateral coordination mechanism between the African countries and China.{{Cite book |last=Murphy |first=Dawn C. |year=2022 |title=China's rise in the Global South: The Middle East, Africa, and Beijing's alternative world order |publisher=Stanford University Press |isbn=978-1-5036-3060-4 |location=Stanford, California |pages=56 |oclc=1249712936}} Since joining FOCAC in 2012, the African Union has increasingly played a coordinating role, although each African country in FOCAC continues to represent itself individually.{{Cite book |last=Murphy |first=Dawn C. |title=China's rise in the Global South: The Middle East, Africa, and Beijing's alternative world order |publisher=Stanford University Press |year=2022 |isbn=978-1-5036-3060-4 |location=Stanford, California |page=57 |oclc=1249712936}}

For the European Commission, the European Union's relationship with Africa is a key priority. The future Africa-EU partnership vision of the European Commission and the European External Action Service is outlined in the Joint Communication "Towards a Comprehensive Strategy with Africa". It proposes partnering on:{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-11-03|title=Africa-EU Partnership|url=https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/topics/africa-eu-partnership_en|access-date=2021-05-28|website=International Partnerships - European Commission|language=en|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510085246/https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/topics/africa-eu-partnership_en|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=EUR-Lex - 52020JC0004 - EN - EUR-Lex|url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?qid=1583753318333&uri=JOIN:2020:4:FIN|access-date=2021-05-28|website=eur-lex.europa.eu|archive-date=16 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516184133/https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/?qid=1583753318333&uri=JOIN:2020:4:FIN|url-status=live}}

• Green Transition and Energy Access
• Digital Transformation
• Sustainable Growth and Jobs{{Cite web|title=Mobilising Investments for African structural sustainable transformation {{!}} The Africa-EU Partnership|url=https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/strategic-priority-areas/mobilising-investments-african-structural-sustainable-transformation|access-date=2021-05-28|website=africa-eu-partnership.org|archive-date=13 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210513082259/https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/strategic-priority-areas/mobilising-investments-african-structural-sustainable-transformation|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=Strengthening Resilience, Peace, Security and Governance {{!}} The Africa-EU Partnership|url=https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/strategic-priority-areas/strengthening-resilience-peace-security-and-governance|access-date=2021-05-28|website=africa-eu-partnership.org|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510085847/https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/strategic-priority-areas/strengthening-resilience-peace-security-and-governance|url-status=dead}}
• Peace, Security and Governance
• Migration and Mobility{{Cite web|title=Migration and mobility {{!}} The Africa-EU Partnership|url=https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/strategic-priority-areas/migration-and-mobility|access-date=2021-05-28|website=africa-eu-partnership.org|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510085848/https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/strategic-priority-areas/migration-and-mobility|url-status=dead}}

On 2 December 2020, five Africa-Europe Foundation Strategy Groups were established in the areas of Health, Digital, Agriculture and Sustainable Food Systems, Sustainable energy and Transport and Connectivity. It was done together with a consortium comprising Friends of Europe, Mo Ibrahim Foundation and IPEMED.{{Cite web|last=Anonymous|date=2020-11-03|title=Africa-EU Partnership|url=https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/topics/africa-eu-partnership_en|access-date=2021-05-28|website=International Partnerships - European Commission|language=en|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510085246/https://ec.europa.eu/international-partnerships/topics/africa-eu-partnership_en|url-status=live}}

In regards to strengthening resilience, peace, security and governance, the African Union and the European Union recognize that resilience, peace, security and governance are all closely linked. Peace and security are important elements for sustainable development, prosperity and resilience of societies. For ensuring peace and security, it had worked out the African Peace Facility.{{Cite web|title=The African Peace Facility {{!}} The Africa-EU Partnership|url=https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/success-stories/african-peace-facility|access-date=2021-05-28|website=africa-eu-partnership.org|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510143315/https://africa-eu-partnership.org/en/success-stories/african-peace-facility|url-status=dead}} This has been itself replaced in 2021 by the European Peace Facility.{{Cite web|title=Questions & Answers: The European Peace Facility|url=https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/46286/questions-answers-european-peace-facility_en|access-date=2021-05-28|website=EEAS - European External Action Service - European Commission|language=en|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510092550/https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/46286/questions-answers-european-peace-facility_en|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=The European Peace Facility and what's in it for the African Union|url=https://ecdpm.org/publications/latest-european-peace-facility-african-union/|access-date=2021-05-28|website=ECDPM|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510092549/https://ecdpm.org/publications/latest-european-peace-facility-african-union/|url-status=live}} The AU and EU are also partnering on promoting sustainable resources management, environmental resilience, and climate change mitigation The Africa Adaptation Initiative is also being supported by the European Union.{{Cite web|title=European Union ramps up support to Africa Adaptation Initiative with EUR 1 million grant {{!}} UNDP in Africa|url=https://www.africa.undp.org/content/rba/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2020/european-union-ramps-up-support-to-africa-adaptation-initiative-.html|access-date=2021-05-28|website=UNDP|language=en|archive-date=10 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210510103326/https://www.africa.undp.org/content/rba/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2020/european-union-ramps-up-support-to-africa-adaptation-initiative-.html|url-status=live}}

{{main|Africa-India relations}}

File:The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing the First India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi on April 08, 2008.jpg held in New Delhi, 2008]]

The India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) is the official platform for the African-Indian relations. IAFS is held once in every three years. It was first held from April 4 to April 8, 2008 in New Delhi, India.{{cite news|first=Anjana |last=Pasricha |title=India-Africa Summit Pledges Close Partnership |date=April 9, 2008 |publisher=Voice of America |url=http://voanews.com/english/archive/2008-04/2008-04-09-voa28.cfm |work=VOA News |access-date=January 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081117062233/http://voanews.com/english/archive/2008-04/2008-04-09-voa28.cfm |archive-date=November 17, 2008 }} In 2015, the Third India-Africa Forum Summit was held in New Delhi and summit was attended by 51 heads of states of the African Union.{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Biggest-diplomatic-event-India-Africa-summit-from-October-26/articleshow/46691914.cms|title=Biggest diplomatic event: India-Africa summit from October 26|website=The Times of India |date=25 March 2015 }} In 2023, the African Union was admitted to G20 under the presidency of India, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

The African Union periodically invites the President of the State of Palestine to make an opening speech during its annual Summit in Addis Ababa. According to Article 10 of the Rules of Procedure of the Union, during the opening of the meeting sessions, the President of the State of Palestine in person is entitled to make an opening speech.

After the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki expressed his "utmost concern" at the situation and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities; additionally, he recalled that denial of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, particularly that of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, was the "main cause of the permanent Israeli-Palestinian tension".{{Cite web |last=Njaaga |first=David |title=African Union calls for end to Israel-Palestine hostilities |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001483044/au-calls-for-end-to-israel-palestine-war |date=7 October 2023 |website=The Standard |language=en |archive-date=October 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231009020518/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001483044/au-calls-for-end-to-israel-palestine-war |url-status=live }}

Russia hosted the first Africa-Russia heads-of-state summit on October 23–24, 2019, Representatives from all 54 African states, including 43 heads-of-state or government, attended the summit.{{Cite web|title=Date and venue of Russia-Africa summit not yet determined—Russian senior diplomat|url=https://tass.com/politics/1395855|access-date=2022-02-05|website=TASS|archive-date=5 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220205120805/https://tass.com/politics/1395855|url-status=live}}

The second Russia-Africa Summit was scheduled for October 2022 in Addis Ababa, but was then rescheduled to 26–29 July 2023 in Saint Petersburg.{{cite news |title=Most African nations will attend Russia's second Africa-Russia summit in St Petersburg |url=https://www.intellinews.com/most-african-nations-will-attend-russia-s-second-africa-russia-summit-in-st-petersburg-272876/ |work=bne IntelliNews |date=14 March 2023 |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-date=23 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230523080625/http://www.intellinews.com/most-african-nations-will-attend-russia-s-second-africa-russia-summit-in-st-petersburg-272876/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=African Union chair: Putin's grain offer not enough, Ukraine ceasefire needed |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-union-chair-putins-grain-offer-not-enough-ukraine-ceasefire-needed-2023-07-28/ |work=Reuters |date=28 July 2023 |access-date=10 September 2023 |archive-date=3 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230903111238/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/african-union-chair-putins-grain-offer-not-enough-ukraine-ceasefire-needed-2023-07-28/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|Africa–South Korea relations}}

The first summit was the South Korea–Africa Summit, Seoul in June 2024.{{Cite news |date=June 5, 2024 |title=S. Korea-Africa summit paves way for stronger cooperation on trade, energy, economy |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240605007100320 |work=Yonhap News Agency}}

Turkey–Africa relations have gained substantial momentum since the declaration of Turkey as a strategic partner of the continent by the African Union in January 2008. Since 2008, various major summits and meetings have been taking place between Turkey and AU. The first summit was The Turkey–Africa Cooperation summit, Istanbul in August 2008.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey-and-the-african-union.en.mfa|title=From Rep. Of Turkey Ministry of Foreign Affairs|access-date=27 May 2021|archive-date=20 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020032410/https://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkey-and-the-african-union.en.mfa|url-status=live}}

As of 2020, Turkey has embassies in 42 countries and commercial counselors in 26 countries on the Africa continent. Turkey's national flag carrier Turkish Airlines also flies to 35 destinations on the continent.

File:P20221215AS-1181 (52651359240).jpg Chairperson Moussa Faki, US President Joe Biden and African leaders at the United States–Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., 15 December 2022]]

In 2017, Donald Trump, President of the United States, issued an executive order to ban citizens from seven countries with suspected links to terrorism from entering the United States. Three of these are African countries, and members of the AU. During the 28th African Union Summit in Ethiopia, African leaders criticised the ban as they expressed their growing concerns for the future of the African economy under President Trump's leadership and subsequent policies.{{Cite web |url=https://www.democracynow.org/2017/1/31/headlines/african_union_slams_trump_muslim_ban_invoking_legacy_of_transatlantic_slave_trade |title=African Union Slams Trump Muslim Ban, Invoking Legacy of Transatlantic Slave Trade |website=Democracy Now! |access-date=1 February 2017 |archive-date=31 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170131185724/https://www.democracynow.org/2017/1/31/headlines/african_union_slams_trump_muslim_ban_invoking_legacy_of_transatlantic_slave_trade |url-status=live }}

{{See also|List of African Union military interventions}}

The African Union has the power to militarily intervene on behalf of its member states as laid out in Article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act of the African Union, "in respect of grave circumstances, namely: war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity"."Constitutive Act of the African Union," opened for signature 11 July 2000. Organisation for African Unity. https://au.int/sites/default/files/pages/34873-file-constitutiveact_en.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200415235637/https://au.int/sites/default/files/pages/34873-file-constitutiveact_en.pdf |date=15 April 2020 }}.

In response to the death of Gnassingbé Eyadéma, President of Togo, on 5 February 2005, AU leaders described the appointment of his son, Faure Gnassingbé, to the presidency to have been a military coup.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4240485.stm |title=AU denounces Togo 'military coup' |work=BBC News |date=6 February 2005 |access-date=10 July 2006 |archive-date=15 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090115094219/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4240485.stm |url-status=live }} Togo's constitution calls for the speaker of parliament to succeed the president in the event of his death. By law, the parliament speaker must call national elections to choose a new president within sixty days. The AU's protest forced Gnassingbé to hold elections. Under heavy allegations of election fraud, he was officially elected president on 4 May 2005.

On 3 August 2005, a coup in Mauritania led the African Union to suspend the country from all organisational activities. The Military Council that took control of Mauritania promised to hold elections within two years.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}{{Cite journal|last=N'Diaye|first=Boubacar|date=2009|title=To 'Midwife' - and Abort - a Democracy: Mauritania's Transition from Military Rule, 2005-2008|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/30224926|journal=The Journal of Modern African Studies|volume=47|issue=1|pages=129–152|doi=10.1017/S0022278X08003765|jstor=30224926|s2cid=154877577|issn=0022-278X|access-date=18 May 2021|archive-date=18 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518110815/https://www.jstor.org/stable/30224926|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} These were held in early 2007, the first time that the country had held elections that were generally agreed to be of an acceptable standard. Following the elections, Mauritania's membership of the AU was restored. However, on 6 August 2008, a fresh coup overthrew the government elected in 2007. The AU once again suspended Mauritania from the continental body.{{cite news |url=http://www.economist.com/node/14105592 |title=All is rather easily forgiven |newspaper=The Economist |date=23 July 2009 |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-date=21 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120221194243/http://www.economist.com/node/14105592 |url-status=live }} The suspension was once again lifted in 2009 after the military junta agreed with the opposition to organise elections.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mauritania-sanctions/african-union-lifts-sanctions-on-mauritania-idUSTRE56021Z20090701 |title=African Union lifts sanctions on Mauritania |work=Reuters |date=1 July 2009 |access-date=3 December 2017 |archive-date=4 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171204171128/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mauritania-sanctions/african-union-lifts-sanctions-on-mauritania-idUSTRE56021Z20090701 |url-status=live }}

File:GSPC map.png (formerly GSPC) area of operations]]

In March 2012, a military coup was staged in Mali, when an alliance of Touareg and Islamist forces conquered the north, resulting in a coming to power of the Islamists. This resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Malian soldiers and the loss of control over their camps and positions.{{cite web |last1=Dixon |first1=Robyn |last2=Labous |first2=Jane |title=Gains of Mali's Tuareg rebels appear permanent, analysts say |url=https://www.latimes.com/world/la-xpm-2012-apr-04-la-fg-mali-tuaregs-20120404-story.html |website=Los Angeles Times |date=4 April 2012 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=10 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910090629/http://articles.latimes.com/2012/apr/04/world/la-fg-mali-tuaregs-20120404 |url-status=live }} After a military intervention with help from French troops, the region was in control of the Malian army. To reinstall local authorities, the AU helped to form a caretaker government, supporting it and holding presidential elections in Mali in July 2013.Bernadette Schulz, Ruth Langer, [http://www.dandc.eu/en/article/african-peace-and-security-architecture-already-proving-useful-even-though-it-still-work "Peace missions – The long haul"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140718202114/http://www.dandc.eu/en/article/african-peace-and-security-architecture-already-proving-useful-even-though-it-still-work |date=18 July 2014 }}, D+C, 27 August 2013.

In 2013, a summit for the African Union was held and it was decided that the African Union was going to enlarge their military presence in Mali. The AU decided to do this because of increasing tensions between al-Qaeda forces and the Mali army. There have been several rebel groups that are vying for control of parts of Mali. These rebel groups include the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA), the National Front for the Liberation of Azawad (FLNA), Ganda Koy, Ganda Izo, Ansar ad-Din, and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). AU forces have been tasked with counterinsurgency missions in Mali as well as governing presidential elections to ensure as smooth a transition of power as possible.{{Cite journal |last1=Besancon |first1=Marie |last2=Dalzell |first2=Stephen |date=June 2014 |title=The Soldier and the Street: East African CIMIC in Somalia and Beyond. |journal=PRISM Security Studies Journal |volume=5 |pages=117–135 }}

A disputed election in December 2020 has led to intensification of the Central African Republic Civil War, displacing 200,000 people. United Nations peacekeepers, including soldiers from Russia and Rwanda, have kept the rebels out of Bangui, but rebels control much of the rest of the country. The AU has not sent peacekeepers to the areas because of a lack of agreement on how to handle the situation: Chad and the Republic of the Congo support the rebels while Rwanda and Angola support the government.

The Tigray War in Ethiopia has left millions in need of humanitarian aid. Eritrean troops are said to be supporting the Ethiopian government, and there have been border conflicts with Sudan. The relationship between Sudan and Ethiopia is further complicated by the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, which also directly affects Egypt.

File:Coup belt.svg

The term Coup Belt originated from coups that were staged beginning in the early 2020s, including in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Guinea, Chad, and Sudan in 2021, two in Burkina Faso in January and September in 2022, and Niger and Gabon in 2023. The region also saw attempted coups in Niger and Sudan in 2021, Guinea–Bissau and The Gambia in 2022, and Sudan and Sierra Leone in 2023. After the 2023 Nigerien coup, these countries formed a continuous chain stretching between the east and west coasts of Africa.

{{main|African Standby Force}}

One of the objectives of the AU is to "promote peace, security, and stability on the continent".Article 3(f) of the Constitutive Act. Among its principles is "Peaceful resolution of conflicts among Member States of the Union through such appropriate means as may be decided upon by the Assembly".Article 4(e) of the Constitutive Act. The primary body charged with implementing these objectives and principles is the Peace and Security Council. The PSC has the power, among other things, to authorise peace support missions, to impose sanctions in case of unconstitutional change of government, and to "take initiatives and action it deems appropriate" in response to potential or actual conflicts. The PSC is a decision-making body in its own right, and its decisions are binding on member states.

Article 4(h) of the Constitutive Act, repeated in article 4 of the Protocol to the Constitutive Act on the PSC, also recognises the right of the Union to intervene in a member state in circumstances of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity. Any decision to intervene in a member state under article 4 of the Constitutive Act will be made by the Assembly on the recommendation of the PSC.

Since it first met in 2004, the PSC has been active in relation to the crises in Darfur, Comoros, Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Ivory Coast and other countries. It has adopted resolutions creating the AU peacekeeping operations in Somalia and Darfur, and imposing sanctions against persons undermining peace and security (such as travel bans and asset freezes against the leaders of the rebellion in Comoros). The council is in the process of overseeing the establishment of a "standby force" to serve as a permanent African peacekeeping force.{{citation needed|date=January 2014}}{{Cite book|last=Touray|first=Omar Alieu|title=The African Union the first ten years|publisher=Rowman and Littlefield|year=2016|isbn=978-1-4422-6897-5|pages=Maryland}} Institute for Security Studies, South Africa, March 2008.

The founding treaty of the AU also called for the establishment of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), including the African Standby Force (ASF), which is to be deployed in emergencies. That means, in cases of genocide or other serious human-rights violations, an ASF mission can be launched even against the wishes of the government of the country concerned, as long as it is approved by the AU General Assembly. In the past AU peacekeeping missions, the concept was not yet applied, forces had to be mobilised from member states. The AU is planning on putting the concept into practise by 2015 at the earliest.{{update inline|reason=Was this done? If not, how did the plans change?|date=July 2018}}

{{main|African Union Mission in Sudan}}

File:Eritrea - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg]]

In response to the ongoing Darfur conflict in Sudan, the AU has deployed 7,000 peacekeepers, many from Rwanda and Nigeria, to Darfur. While a donor's conference in Addis Ababa in 2005 helped raise funds to sustain the peacekeepers through that year and into 2006, in July 2006 the AU said it would pull out at the end of September when its mandate expires.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5124608.stm |work=BBC News |title=AU Darfur mission 'to end soon' |date=28 June 2006 |access-date=23 April 2010 |archive-date=26 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826204932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/5124608.stm |url-status=live }} Critics of the AU peacekeepers, including Eric Reeves, have said these forces are largely ineffective due to lack of funds, personnel, and expertise. Monitoring a large area has made it even more difficult to sustain an effective mission. In June 2006, the United States Congress appropriated US$173 million for the AU force. Some, such as the Genocide Intervention Network, have called for UN or NATO intervention to augment and/or replace the AU peacekeepers. The UN has considered deploying a force, though it would not likely enter the country until at least October 2007.{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sc9089.doc.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815184454/http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2007/sc9089.doc.htm|url-status=dead |archive-date=15 August 2007 |title=Security Council Authorises Deployment of United Nations-African Union 'Hybrid' Peace Operation in Bid To Resolve Darfur Conflict |publisher=United Nations |access-date=26 November 2012}} The under-funded and badly equipped AU mission was set to expire on 31 December 2006 but was extended to 30 June 2007 and merged with the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur in October 2007. In July 2009 the African Union ceased cooperation with the International Criminal Court, refusing to recognise the international arrest warrant it had issued against Sudan's leader, Omar al-Bashir, who was indicted in 2008 for war crimes.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8134718.stm |work=BBC News |title=African move on Bashir dismissed |date=5 July 2009 |access-date=23 April 2010 |archive-date=25 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225224733/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8134718.stm |url-status=live }}

The AU struggled to have a strategic role in the independence talks and the reconciliation process of South Sudan, due to overwhelming interests of African and non-African powers, its influence is still limited and not consistent.{{cite journal |last=Sulaiman |first=Abubkar o. |author2=Agoha, Ifeanyi Chuckwu |title=South Sudan Negotiated Independence: A Critique of African Union's Role |journal=European Journal of Sustainable Development |date=1 October 2013 |volume=2 |issue=3 |pages=145–154 |doi=10.14207/ejsd.2013.v2n3p145|doi-access=free |bibcode=2013EJSD....2..145S }}

{{main|African Union Mission to Somalia}}

File:AMISOM Kismayo Advance 15 (8049962361).jpg, a Somali government-allied militia, near Kismayo, Somalia, 2012]]

From the early 1990s up until 2000, Somalia was without a functioning central government. A peace agreement aimed at ending the civil war that broke out following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime was signed in 2006 after many years of peace talks. However, the new government was almost immediately threatened by further violence. In February 2007, the African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) worked together to establish the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The purpose of AMISOM was to create a foundation that would hopefully provide aid to some of Somalia's most vulnerable and keep the peace in the region. They are tasked with everything from protecting federal institutions to facilitating humanitarian relief operations. Much of the AU's opposition comes from an Islamic extremist group named al-Shabaab.{{Cite journal |last=Anderson |first=Noel |date=2014 |title=Peacekeepers Fighting a Counterinsurgency Campaign: A Net Assessment of the African Union Mission in Somalia |journal=Studies in Conflict and Terrorism |volume=37 |issue=11 |pages=936–954 |doi=10.1080/1057610X.2014.952260 |s2cid=109822861 }} To temporarily shore up the government's military base, starting in March 2007, AU soldiers began arriving in Mogadishu as part of a peacekeeping force that was intended by the AU to eventually be 8,000 strong.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2115736.stm |work=BBC News |title=African Union replaces dictators' club |date=8 July 2002 |access-date=23 April 2010 |first=Paul |last=Reynolds |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100601025542/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2115736.stm |archive-date=1 June 2010 |url-status=live}} Eritrea recalled its ambassadors to the African Union on 20 November 2009[http://www.afrol.com/articles/10577 Afro News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824072414/http://www.afrol.com/articles/10577 |date=24 August 2011 }} Eritrea breaks with African Union, 20 November 2009. after the African Union called on the United Nations Security Council to impose sanctions on them due to their alleged support of Somali Islamists attempting to topple the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia, the internationally recognised government of Somalia which holds Somalia's seat on the African Union.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8064939.stm "AU calls for sanctions on Eritrea"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107104635/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8064939.stm |date=7 November 2017 }} BBC.co.uk 23 May 2009. Retrieved 23 May 2009 On 22 December 2009, the United Nations Security Council passed UNSCR 1907, which imposed an arms embargo on Eritrea, travel bans on Eritrean leaders, and asset freezes on Eritrean officials. Eritrea strongly criticised the resolution. In January 2011, Eritrea reestablished their mission to the AU in Addis Ababa.{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201101210166.html |title=Eritrea: Nation Appoints AU Envoy in Ethiopia |date=20 January 2011 |access-date=9 May 2011 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629134439/http://allafrica.com/stories/201101210166.html |url-status=live }}

In the fall of 2011, AMISOM forces, along with Kenyan and Ethiopian forces, launched a set of offensive attacks on the al-Shabaab. In these attacks, AMISOM forces were able to reclaim key cities including the Somali capital of Mogadishu. In September 2013, political scientist Ethan Bueno de Mesquita argued that with the help of AMISOM forces, they had made it "nearly impossible for al-Shabaab to hold territory even in its former strongholds in southern Somalia". Although much progress has been made towards peace in the region, it should still be noted that African Union forces' still get attacked regularly. Despite AMISOM being effective, it is vastly underfunded and many forces lack the resources required. Funding for humanitarian relief and the formation of armies tends to be vastly undercut.

{{main|2008 invasion of Anjouan}}

A successful 2008 invasion of Anjouan by AU and Comoros forces to stop self-declared president Mohamed Bacar, whose 2007 re-election was declared illegal.{{cite web |title=African Union forces seek rebel leader |url=http://www.france24.com/en/20080325-comoros-anjouan-battle-bacar-african-union-first-day%26navi%3DMONDE |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415055355/http://www.france24.com/en/20080325-comoros-anjouan-battle-bacar-african-union-first-day%26navi%3DMONDE |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 April 2008 |website=France 24 |access-date=4 September 2018}} Prior to the invasion, France helped transport Tanzanian troops but their position in the disagreement was questioned when a French police helicopter was suspected of attempting to sneak Bacar into French exile.{{cite news |title=Comoros anger over chopper crash |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7306986.stm |website=BBC News |date=20 March 2008 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=23 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080323180728/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7306986.stm |url-status=live }} The first wave of troops landed on Anjouan Bay on 25 March and soon took over the airfield in Ouani, ultimately aiming to locate and remove Bacar from office. On the same day, the airport, capital, and second city were overrun and the presidential palace was deserted.{{cite news |title=Battles on Comoros rebel island |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7312031.stm |website=BBC News |date=25 March 2008 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=31 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080331010358/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7312031.stm |url-status=live }} Bacar escaped and sought asylum in France. The Comoros government demanded his return, in order to determine his fate.{{cite news |title=Comoran rebel seeks French asylum |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7315744.stm |website=BBC News |date=27 March 2008 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=28 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080328232824/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7315744.stm |url-status=live }} Many of Bacar's main supporters were arrested by the end of March, including Caabi El-Yachroutu Mohamed and Ibrahim Halidi. Bacar's asylum request was rejected on 15 May, as France agreed to cooperate with the Comoran government's demand.{{cite news |title=Comoran rebel asylum plea refused |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7402921.stm |website=BBC News |date=15 May 2008 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=28 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828170501/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7402921.stm |url-status=live }} At the 29 June elections, Moussa Toybou won the presidency.{{cite web |title=Toybou confirmed Anjouan president |url=http://www.afrol.com/articles/29696 |website=Afrol News |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904120957/http://www.afrol.com/articles/29696 |url-status=live }}

{{main|Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute}}

The sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean is disputed between the United Kingdom and Mauritius.{{cite news |title=Chagos Islands dispute: UK 'threatened' Mauritius |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-45300739 |work=BBC News |date=27 August 2018 |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=23 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323145031/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-45300739 |url-status=live }} In February 2019, the International Court of Justice in The Hague issued an advisory opinion stating that the UK must transfer the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius.{{cite news |title=Foreign Office quietly rejects International Court ruling to hand back Chagos Islands |url=https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/foreign-office-quietly-rejects-international-court-ruling-to-hand-back-chagos-islands-450078 |work=inews.co.uk |date=18 June 2020 |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130042318/https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/foreign-office-quietly-rejects-international-court-ruling-to-hand-back-chagos-islands-450078 |url-status=live }} On 22 May 2019, the United Nations General Assembly debated and adopted a resolution that affirmed that the Chagos archipelago "forms an integral part of the territory of Mauritius".{{Cite journal |last=Sands |first=Philippe |date=2019-05-24 |quote=Britain's behaviour towards its former colony has been shameful. The UN resolution changes everything |title=At last, the Chagossians have a real chance of going back home |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/24/chagossians-britain-colony-shameful-un-resolution? |journal=The Guardian |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205232500/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/24/chagossians-britain-colony-shameful-un-resolution |url-status=live }} The African Union urged the United Kingdom to comply with a UN resolution calling for it to withdraw from the Chagos Islands.{{cite news |title=African Union orders Britain to withdraw from Chagos Islands, end 'colonial administration' |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/african-union-orders-britain-to-withdraw-from-chagos-islands-end-colonial-administration-2019-11 |work=Business Insider |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=14 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210414032714/https://www.businessinsider.com/african-union-orders-britain-to-withdraw-from-chagos-islands-end-colonial-administration-2019-11 |url-status=live }} The UK does not recognise Mauritius' sovereignty claim over the Chagos Archipelago.{{cite news |title=Chagos Islands dispute: UK misses deadline to return control |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50511847 |publisher=BBC News |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=20 February 2021 |archive-date=26 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226055339/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-50511847 |url-status=live }}

The AU faces many challenges, including health issues such as combating malaria and the AIDS/HIV epidemic; political issues such as confronting undemocratic regimes and mediating in the many civil wars; economic issues such as improving the standard of living of millions of impoverished, uneducated Africans; ecological issues such as dealing with recurring famines, desertification, and lack of ecological sustainability; as well as the legal issues regarding Western Sahara.

Daniel Batidam, an anti-corruption advisory board member of the African Union, resigned after stating that the organisation had "multiple irregularities" and that "issues have come up over and over again" regarding corruption. The African Union quickly accepted his resignation, with Batidam saying that it was a sign that mismanagement towards corruption will "continue with business as usual".{{Cite web |url=http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20180616-official-quits-au-anti-corruption-body-over-multiple-irregularities-african-union |title=Official quits AU anti-corruption body over 'multiple irregularities' |date=2018-06-23 |website=Radio France Internationale |language=en-GB |access-date=2019-01-31 |archive-date=1 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201013519/http://en.rfi.fr/africa/20180616-official-quits-au-anti-corruption-body-over-multiple-irregularities-african-union |url-status=live }}

In a story published on 12 March 2020, AU staff alleged that Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat was guilty of corruption and cronyism, as well as running of a "mafia-style cartel" that operates with impunity.{{cite news|url=https://mg.co.za/article/2020-03-12-exclusive-a-mafia-style-cartel-is-running-the-african-union-claim-staff/|title=Exclusive: A 'mafia-style' cartel is running the African Union, claim staff|date=12 March 2020|access-date=15 March 2020|archive-date=20 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920100318/https://mg.co.za/article/2020-03-12-exclusive-a-mafia-style-cartel-is-running-the-african-union-claim-staff/|url-status=live}} The allegations were contained in a memo leaked to the South African Mail & Guardian. This followed sexual harassment allegations raised in late 2018.

In 2011, when the conflict in Libya began, the African Union was initially criticised for doing little to prevent the conflict's escalation. Additionally, the AU hesitated to take a side. It was unclear whether the AU supported the Libyan regime or the rebels. This occurred as several human right violations were perpetrated against members of the Libyan regime. It was later realised that the AU's hesitation was due to its lack of capacity and its inability to engage in democratic reform.{{Cite journal |last=Hove |first=Mediel |date=May 2017 |title=Post-Gaddafi Libya and the African Union: Challenges and the Road to Sustainable Peace. |journal=Journal of Asian and African Studies |volume=52 |issue=3 |pages=271–286 |doi=10.1177/0021909615583366 |s2cid=147689749 }}

The AU attempted to mediate in the early stages of the 2011 Libyan civil war, forming an ad hoc committee of five presidents (Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, Malian President Amadou Toumani Touré, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, South African President Jacob Zuma, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni) to broker a truce.{{cite news |url=http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?sec=nation&file=/2011/3/21/nation/8313696 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321192206/http://www.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=%2F2011%2F3%2F21%2Fnation%2F8313696&sec=nation |url-status=dead |archive-date=21 March 2011 |work=The Star |title=African Union urges restraint on both sides |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=5 July 2011}} However, the beginning of the NATO-led military intervention in March 2011 prevented the committee from traveling to Libya to meet with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.{{cite news |url=http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1129850/-/c3uoa3z/-/ |work=Daily Monitor |title=Kutesa, AU blocked from entering Libya |date=21 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |first=Emmanuel |last=Mulondo |archive-date=24 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110324202855/http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/-/688334/1129850/-/c3uoa3z/- |url-status=live }} As a body, the AU sharply dissented from the United Nations Security Council's decision to create a no-fly zone over Libya,{{cite web |url=http://www.sudantribune.com/NAfrican-Union-demands-end-to,38339 |title=African Union demands end to military strikes on Libya, skips Paris meeting |website=Sudan Tribune |date=19 March 2011 |access-date=21 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110321212338/http://www.sudantribune.com/NAfrican-Union-demands-end-to%2C38339 |archive-date=21 March 2011 |url-status=dead}} though a few member states, such as Botswana,{{cite news |url=http://www.mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=1909&dir=2011/March/Wednesday23 |date=23 March 2011 |access-date=5 April 2011 |title=Khama supports no-fly zone on Libya |work=Mmegi |first=Baboki |last=Kayawe |archive-date=25 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111125203025/http://mmegi.bw/index.php?sid=1&aid=1909&dir=2011%2FMarch%2FWednesday23 |url-status=dead }} Gabon,{{cite news |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131720311168561.html |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=18 March 2011 |access-date=18 March 2011 |title=UN authorises no-fly zone over Libya |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110318102654/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201131720311168561.html |archive-date=18 March 2011 |url-status=live}} Zambia,{{cite news |url=http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=19332 |work=The Post |date=27 March 2011 |access-date=5 April 2011 |title=Rupiah backs action against Libya |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120911072915/http://www.postzambia.com/post-read_article.php?articleId=19332 |archive-date=11 September 2012}} and others expressed support for the resolution.

As a result of Gaddafi's defeat at the Battle of Tripoli (the war's deciding battle), in August 2011, the Arab League voted to recognise the anti-Gaddafi National Transitional Council as the legitimate government of the country, pending elections.{{cite news |url=http://www.rttnews.com/Content/GeneralNews.aspx?Id=1700187&SM=1 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120604155833/http://www.rttnews.com/Content/GeneralNews.aspx?Id=1700187&SM=1 |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 June 2012 |agency=RTTNews |date=25 August 2011 |access-date=25 August 2011 |title=Arab League Recognizes Libyan Rebel Council}} The council has been recognised by several AU member states, including two Arab League members.{{cite news |url=http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Tunis-recognizes-Libyan-rebels-as-country-s-rep-2134144.php |work=Seattle Post-Intelligencer |title=Tunis recognizes Libyan rebels as country's rep |date=20 August 2011 |access-date=20 August 2011 |archive-date=8 December 2011 |archive-url=http://web.archive.bibalex.org/web/20111208121407/http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Tunis-recognizes-Libyan-rebels-as-country-s-rep-2134144.php |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |title=Egypt recognises Libya rebel government |url=http://www.thenewage.co.za/26532-1019-53-Egypt_recognises_Libya_rebel_government |access-date=22 August 2011 |newspaper=The New Age |location=South Africa |date=22 August 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120308203558/http://www.thenewage.co.za/26532-1019-53-Egypt_recognises_Libya_rebel_government |archive-date=8 March 2012}} However, the AU Peace and Security Council voted on 26 August 2011 not to recognise it, insisting on a ceasefire and on the formation of a national unity government by both sides.{{cite news |first=Barry |last=Malone |url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2011/Aug-26/AU-wont-recognise-Libyan-rebel-council-diplomats.ashx#axzz1W9KDcooQ |work=The Daily Star |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=26 August 2011 |title=AU won't recognise Libyan rebel council: diplomats |archive-date=28 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828030422/http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2011/Aug-26/AU-wont-recognise-Libyan-rebel-council-diplomats.ashx#axzz1W9KDcooQ |url-status=live }} A number of AU member states led by Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Rwanda requested that the AU recognise the NTC as Libya's interim governing authority,{{cite news |url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=304812 |agency=NOW Lebanon |date=24 August 2011 |access-date=24 August 2011 |title=Ethiopia recognizes Libyan rebels|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120604155753/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=304812|archive-date=4 June 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite news |agency=Afrique en ligne |url=http://www.afriquejet.com/libya-ntc-national-transitional-council-in-libya-2011082721212.html |date=27 August 2011 |access-date=27 August 2011 |title=Libya-NTC: National Transitional Council in Libya |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120117145429/http://www.afriquejet.com/libya-ntc-national-transitional-council-in-libya-2011082721212.html |archive-date=17 January 2012}} and several other AU member states have recognised the NTC regardless of the Peace and Security Council's decision.{{cite news |url=http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-24-2011-2025/ |title=Chad recognises rebel council as only legitimate authority in neighbouring Libya |date=24 August 2011 |publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=24 August 2011 |archive-date=24 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824202426/http://blogs.aljazeera.net/liveblog/libya-aug-24-2011-2025 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=27 August 2011 |access-date=27 August 2011 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-libya-rebels-recognition-idUSTRE77Q1ME20110827 |title=Benin recognize Libyan rebels |work=Reuters |archive-date=26 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120726144805/http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/08/27/us-libya-rebels-recognition-idUSTRE77Q1ME20110827 |url-status=live }} However, AU member states Algeria{{cite news |url=http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=305666 |agency=NOW Lebanon |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=26 August 2011 |title=Algeria declines to recognize Libyan rebels|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120604155753/http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArticleDetails.aspx?ID=305666|archive-date=4 June 2012|url-status=dead}} and Zimbabwe{{cite news |url=http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/africa/52122/libyan-envoy-to-zimbabwe-expelled.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826131311/http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/news/africa/52122/libyan-envoy-to-zimbabwe-expelled.html|url-status=dead |archive-date=26 August 2011 |work=The Zimbabwean |title=Libyan envoy to Zimbabwe expelled for burning flag |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=26 August 2011}} have indicated they will not recognise the NTC, and South Africa has expressed reservations as well.{{cite news |url=http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-26-libya-how-sa-stood-firm-on-money-for-rebels/ |agency=Mail & Globe Online |date=26 August 2011 |access-date=27 August 2011 |title=Libya: How SA stood firm on money for rebels |archive-date=8 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908051747/http://mg.co.za/article/2011-08-26-libya-how-sa-stood-firm-on-money-for-rebels |url-status=live }}

On 20 September 2011, the African Union officially recognised the National Transitional Council as the legitimate representative of Libya.{{cite news |title=African Union officially recognises Libya's new leadership |url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h2NflCTWlrw96Cs-Ts7A7Xcem2dA?docId=CNG.a8a1185f4a08d2928999ea8643dc5bd9.501|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111120184724/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5h2NflCTWlrw96Cs-Ts7A7Xcem2dA?docId=CNG.a8a1185f4a08d2928999ea8643dc5bd9.501|url-status= dead |archive-date=20 November 2011}}

In post-Gaddafi Libya, the African Union believes it still has an important responsibility to the country despite its failure to contribute to the conflict when it originated. Although the African Union is there to keep peace, it is not a long-term solution. The goal, as stated by the AU, is to establish a Libyan government that is sustainable to ensuring peace in Libya. To achieve some level of peace in Libya, the AU has to moderate peace talks which are aimed at achieving compromises and power sharing accommodations as well.

{{Main|Geography of the African Union}}

File:Regions of the African Union.png:

{{Color box|#DAA520|Northern Region

(Sahara)|border=darkgray}}

{{Color box|#87CEEB|Southern Region

(Kalahari)|border=darkgray}}

{{Color box|#90EE90|Eastern Region

(Nile)|border=darkgray}}

{{Color box|#FA8072|Western Regions A and B

(Niger and Volta Niger)|border=darkgray}}

{{Color box|#B88FFF|Central Region

(Congo)|border=darkgray}}]]

Member states of the African Union cover almost the entirety of continental Africa, except for several territories held by Spain (Ceuta, Melilla, and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera). In addition, European countries have dependencies among the offshore islands of Africa: Spain (the Canary Islands and the islands of the plazas de soberanía); France (Mayotte, Réunion, and the Scattered Islands in the Indian Ocean); Portugal (the Azores, Madeira, and the Savage Islands); and the United Kingdom (Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha). The geography of the African Union is wildly diverse, including the world's largest hot desert (the Sahara), huge jungles and savannas, and the world's longest river (the Nile).

The AU has an area of {{convert|29922059|km2}}, with {{convert|24165|km}} of coastline. The vast majority of this area is on continental Africa, while the only significant territories off the mainland are the island of Madagascar (the world's largest microcontinent and fourth-largest island) and the Sinai Peninsula (geographically a part of Asia), accounting for slightly less than 2% of the total area.

{{Clear}}

{{main|Economy of the African Union}}

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was created among 54 of the 55 AU nations, with trade commencing as of 1 January 2021.{{Cite web|last=Shendruk|first=Amanda|date=2020-12-31|title=The world's largest free trade area starts up on Jan. 1, 2021|url=https://qz.com/1951523/what-is-the-african-continental-free-trade-area-afcfta/|access-date=2021-01-04|website=Quartz|language=en|archive-date=4 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210104075017/https://qz.com/1951523/what-is-the-african-continental-free-trade-area-afcfta/|url-status=live}} The African Export–Import Bank, to support this initiative, created the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.

The AU's future goals include a customs union, a single market, a central bank, and a common currency (see African Monetary Union), thereby establishing economic and monetary union.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/3870303.stm |title=Profile: African Union |date=1 July 2006 |access-date=10 July 2006 |work=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060712034155/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/country_profiles/3870303.stm |archive-date=12 July 2006 |url-status=live}}

The following table shows various data for AU member states, including area, population, economic output and income inequality, as well as various indices, including human development, viability of the state, perception of corruption, economic freedom, state of peace, freedom of the press and democratic level.

{{Clear}}

^a External data from 2016.

^b External data from 2015.

^c External data from 2014.

^d AU total used for indicators 1 through 3; AU weighted average used for indicator 4; AU unweighted average used for indicators 5 through 12.

{{main|Demographics of Africa|Member states of the African Union}}

The total population of the African Union, {{as of|2017|lc=yes}}, is estimated at more than 1.25 billion, with a growth rate of more than 2.5% p.a.{{Cite journal|last=Eloundou|first=Ngah Eric|date=December 2019|title=Private Sector Strengthening as Pillar of South Korea's Development Assistance toward Cameroon|url=https://think-asia.org/bitstream/handle/11540/11504/WEB%2019-26.pdf?sequence=1|journal=World Economic Brief|volume=9|issue=26|page=|access-date=2 May 2021|issn=2233-9140|archive-date=25 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225222451/https://think-asia.org/bitstream/handle/11540/11504/WEB%2019-26.pdf?sequence=1|url-status=dead}}

In 2018,{{Cite web |url=https://www.ilo.org/africa/areas-of-work/labour-migration/policy-frameworks/WCMS_671953/lang--en/index.htm |title=The AU Free Movement of Persons Protocol |date=17 February 2019 |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=18 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191218114854/https://www.ilo.org/africa/areas-of-work/labour-migration/policy-frameworks/WCMS_671953/lang--en/index.htm |url-status=live }} the African Union adopted the Free Movement Protocol.{{Cite web |url=http://theconversation.com/how-the-free-movement-of-people-could-benefit-africa-92057 |title=How the free movement of people could benefit Africa |date=14 March 2018 |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=19 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200219062812/http://theconversation.com/how-the-free-movement-of-people-could-benefit-africa-92057 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20190611/consultative-meeting-parliamentarians-east-african-community-and-economic |title=AU protocol on free movement is a watershed moment for Africa; EALA and ECOWAS legislators' meeting kicks off |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=11 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711192058/https://au.int/en/pressreleases/20190611/consultative-meeting-parliamentarians-east-african-community-and-economic |url-status=live }} This protocol allows for free movement of people between countries that are part of the African Union.

Article 14 of the Protocol to the treaty establishing the African economic community relating to the free movement of persons, right of residence, and the right of establishment discusses the free movement of workers.{{Cite web |url=https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/36403-treaty-protocol_on_free_movement_of_persons_in_africa_e.pdf |title=Protocol to the treaty establishing the african economic community relating to the free movement of persons, right of residence and right of establishment |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=13 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313145030/https://au.int/sites/default/files/treaties/36403-treaty-protocol_on_free_movement_of_persons_in_africa_e.pdf |url-status=live }}

The African Union also has a Migration Policy Framework for Africa (MPFA).{{Cite web |url=https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/64184.html |title=Support to the African Union on migration and displacement |access-date=9 March 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804060224/https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/64184.html |url-status=live }}

Forced displacement of people and groups has also been an area of focus for the AU—over thirty states have ratified the Kampala Convention, the only continental treaty focusing on internally displaced persons in the world.{{Cite web|url=https://au.int/en/treaties/african-union-convention-protection-and-assistance-internally-displaced-persons-africa|title=African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (Kampala Convention) | African Union|website=au.int|access-date=10 September 2023|archive-date=1 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801180953/https://au.int/en/treaties/african-union-convention-protection-and-assistance-internally-displaced-persons-africa|url-status=live}}

Beginning in 2016, the African Union introduced continent-wide passports.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/07/01/the-opposite-of-brexit-african-union-launches-an-all-africa-passport/ |title=The Opposite of Brexit: African Union Launches an All-Africa Passport |last=Frugé |first=Anne |date=1 July 2016 |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=7 July 2016 |archive-date=5 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705220044/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/monkey-cage/wp/2016/07/01/the-opposite-of-brexit-african-union-launches-an-all-africa-passport/ |url-status=live }}

{{See also|List of official languages by country and territory}}

File:Africa ethnic groups 1996.jpg

The official languages of the African Union are Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, and "any other African language". The primary working languages of the African Union are English and French. To a lesser extent Portuguese and Arabic are used. The Constitutive Act, for example, is written in English, French and Arabic, while the protocol amending the Constitutive Act is written in English, French and Portuguese. As of 2020, the AU website is available in its entirety in English, partially in French and minimally in Arabic.{{Cite web |title=Home {{!}} African Union |url=https://au.int/en |access-date=2023-06-28 |website=au.int |archive-date=18 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171118030407/https://au.int/en/ |url-status=live }} Portuguese and Swahili versions were added as "coming soon" (em breve) in April 2019.{{Cite web|date=2019-04-06|title=Kiswahili {{!}} African Union|url=https://au.int/kiswahili|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406225637/https://au.int/kiswahili|url-status=dead|archive-date=2019-04-06|access-date=2021-05-27}}{{Cite web|url=https://au.int/portuguese|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190407023106/https://au.int/portuguese|archive-date = 7 April 2019|title = Portuguese | African Union}}

According to the Constitutive Act of the African Union,Article 25, Constitutive Act of the African Union.

{{blockquote|The working languages of the Union and all its institutions shall be, if

possible, African languages, Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.}}

A protocol amending the Constitutive Act was adopted in 2003 and as of April 2020 has been ratified by 30 of the 37 member states needed for a two-thirds majority. It would change the above wording to,{{Cite web|url=http://www.au.int/en/treaties/protocol-amendments-constitutive-act-african-union|title=Protocol on the Amendments to the Constitutive Act of the African Union {{!}} African Union|website=www.au.int|access-date=2020-04-27|archive-date=17 June 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160617184101/http://au.int/en/treaties/protocol-amendments-constitutive-act-african-union|url-status=live}}

{{blockquote|1. The official languages of the Union and all its institutions shall be Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Kiswahili and any other African language.

2. The Executive Council shall determine the process and practical modalities for the use of official languages as working languages.}}

Founded in 2001 under the auspices of the AU, the African Academy of Languages promotes the usage and perpetuation of African languages among African people. In 2004 Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique addressed the assembly in Swahili, but had to translate his words himself.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3871315.stm Swahili baffles African leaders] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200111081032/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/3871315.stm |date=11 January 2020 }}, BBC 6 July 2004 The AU declared 2006 the Year of African Languages.{{cite web |url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200606210733.html |title=Ethiopia: AU Launches 2006 As Year of African Languages |access-date=30 October 2016 |date=21 June 2006 |publisher=AllAfrica.com |archive-date=24 February 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224234223/http://allafrica.com/stories/200606210733.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/praesa/YoAL.htm|archive-url= https://archive.today/20060923084909/http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/praesa/YoAL.htm|url-status= dead |archive-date=23 September 2006 |title=The Year of African Languages (2006) – Plan for the year of African Languages – Executive Summary |access-date=30 September 2006 |author=Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa |year=2006 |publisher=Project for the Study of Alternative Education in South Africa}} 2006 also marked Ghana's 55th anniversary since it founded the Bureau of Ghana Languages originally known as Gold Coast Vernacular Literature Bureau.

File:HIV in Africa 2011.svg)

The AU has been active in addressing the AIDS pandemic in Africa. In 2001, the AU established AIDS Watch Africa to coordinate and mobilise a continent-wide response.{{cite book |title=AIDS Watch Africa: An instrument for promoting AIDS responses in Africa |date=July 2004 |publisher=Discussion Paper presented by HE President Olusegun Obasanjo to Heads of State of the African Union |url=http://data.unaids.org/una-docs/awa_brochure_en.pdf |access-date=6 August 2017 |archive-date=6 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806221850/http://data.unaids.org/una-docs/awa_brochure_en.pdf |url-status=live }} Sub-Saharan Africa, especially southern and eastern Africa, is the most affected area in the world. Though this region is home to only 6.2% of the world's population, it is also home to half of the world's population infected with HIV.{{Cite web|url=https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2016-prevention-gap-report_en.pdf|title=Prevention gap report|access-date=2 May 2021|date=11 July 2016|publisher=Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS|archive-date=29 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429025538/https://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/2016-prevention-gap-report_en.pdf|url-status=live}} While the measurement of HIV prevalence rates has proved methodologically challenging, more than 20% of the sexually active population of many countries of southern Africa may be infected, with South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Namibia, and Zimbabwe all expected to have a decrease in life expectancy by an average of 6.5 years. The pandemic has had massive implications for the economy of the continent, reducing economic growth rates by 2–4% across Africa.{{Cite journal |last1=Dixon |first1=Simon |last2=McDonald |first2=Scott |last3=Roberts |first3=Jennifer |date=2002 |title=The Impact of HIV And AIDS on Africa's Economic Development |jstor=25227281 |journal=BMJ: British Medical Journal |volume=324 |issue=7331 |pages=232–234|doi=10.1136/bmj.324.7331.232 |pmid=11809650 |pmc=1122139 }}

In July 2007, the AU endorsed two new initiatives to combat the AIDS crisis, including a push to recruit, train and integrate two million community health workers into the continent's healthcare systems.{{cite news |last1=Barton-Knott |first1=Sophie |title=African Union endorses major new initiatives to end AIDS |url=http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2017/july/20170704_africanunion |access-date=6 August 2017 |agency=UNAIDS |date=3 July 2017 |archive-date=6 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806221323/http://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/pressreleaseandstatementarchive/2017/july/20170704_africanunion |url-status=live }}

In January 2012, the African Union Assembly requested that the African Union Commission would work out "a roadmap of shared responsibility to draw on African efforts for a viable health funding with support of traditional and emerging partners to address AIDS dependency response". Once created, the roadmap (as it is officially known) provided a group of solutions that would enhance the shared responsibility and global solidarity for AIDS, TB, and Malaria responses in Africa by 2015. The roadmap was organised into three pillars: diversified financing, access to medicines, and enhanced health governance. The roadmap held stakeholders accountable for the realisation of these solutions between 2012 and 2015.

The first pillar, diversified financing, ensures that countries begin to develop a country specific financial sustainability plans with clear targets, and identify and maximise opportunities to diversify funding sources in order to increase the domestic resource allocation to AIDS and other diseases.

The second pillar, access to affordable and quality-assured medicines, tries to promote and facilitate investing in leading medicine hub manufacturers in Africa, accelerate and strengthen medicine regulatory harmonisation, and create legislation that would help to protect the knowledge of the researchers who develop these life-saving medicines.

The third pillar, enhanced leadership and governance, tries to invest in programs that support people and communities to prevent HIV and ensure that leadership at all levels is mobilised to implement the roadmap. There are several organisations that will ensure the smooth implementation of the roadmap, including NEPAD, UNAIDS, WHO, and several other UN partners.{{Cite journal |last=Buse |first=Kent |date=January 2012 |title=Zeroing in on AIDS and Global Health Post-2015 |journal=Globalization and Health |volume=8 |pages=42–44 |doi=10.1186/1744-8603-8-42 |pmid=23199137 |pmc=3528638 |doi-access=free }}

By February 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa had resulted in 3.6 million confirmed cases and 89,000 related deaths, and only 25% of African countries had adequate plans for vaccination, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).{{cite news |last1=Mohamed |first1=Hamza |title=From COVID to conflict, five priorities for African Union summit |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/5/au-summit-what-are-key-issues-the-leaders-should-focus-on |access-date=February 5, 2021 |work=aljazeera.com |publisher=Al Jazeera English |date=February 5, 2021 |language=en |archive-date=5 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205193831/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/5/au-summit-what-are-key-issues-the-leaders-should-focus-on |url-status=live }} The pandemic has also devastated economies around the world, including in Africa.

File:Emblem of the African Union.svg

The emblem of the African Union consists of a gold ribbon bearing small interlocking red rings, from which palm leaves shoot up around an outer gold circle and an inner green circle, within which is a gold representation of Africa. The red interlinked rings stand for African solidarity and the blood shed for the liberation of Africa; the palm leaves, for peace; the gold, for Africa's wealth and bright future; the green, for African hopes and aspirations. To symbolise African unity, the silhouette of Africa is drawn without internal borders.[https://au.int/en/about/symbols African Union Symbols] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511212951/https://au.int/en/about/symbols |date=11 May 2023 }}, AU website.

The African Union adopted its new flag at its 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government taking place in Addis Ababa 2010. During the 8th African Union Summit which took place in Addis Ababa on 29 and 30 January 2007, the Heads of State and Government decided to launch a competition for the selection of a new flag for the Union. They prescribed a green background for the flag symbolising hope of Africa and stars to represent Member States.

Pursuant to this decision, the African Union Commission (AUC) organised a competition for the selection of a new flag for the African Union. The AUC received a total of 106 entries proposed by citizens of 19 African countries and 2 from the Diaspora. The proposals were then examined by a panel of experts put in place by the African Union Commission and selected from the five African regions for short listing according to the main directions given by the Heads of State and Government.{{cite web |url=http://www.washington.edu/news/2010/02/18/hfs-staffer-yadesa-bojia-celebrated-for-designing-striking-new-african-union-flag/ |title=HFS staffer Yadesa Bojia celebrated for designing striking new African Union flag |first=Peter |last=Kelley |date=February 18, 2010 |publisher=University of Washington |access-date=15 May 2022 |archive-date=29 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180829152031/http://www.washington.edu/news/2010/02/18/hfs-staffer-yadesa-bojia-celebrated-for-designing-striking-new-african-union-flag/ |url-status=live }}

At the 13th Ordinary Session of the Assembly, the Heads of State and Government examined the report of the Panel and selected one among all the proposals. The flag is now part of the paraphernalia of the African Union and replaces the old one.

The old flag of the African Union bears a broad green horizontal stripe, a narrow band of gold, the emblem of the African Union at the centre of a broad white stripe, another narrow gold band and a final broad green stripe. Again, the green and gold symbolise Africa's hopes and aspirations as well as its wealth and bright future, and the white represents the purity of Africa's desire for friends throughout the world. The flag has led to the creation of the "national colours" of Africa of gold and green (sometimes together with white). These colours are visible in one way or another in the flags of many African nations. Together the colours green, gold, and red constitute the Pan-African colours.

The African Union has adopted the anthem "Let Us All Unite and Celebrate Together".

Africa Day (formerly African Freedom Day and African Liberation Day) is an annual commemoration regarding the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), on 25 May 1963, and occurring on the same date of the month each year. Other celebrations include the following:

• The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music: a week-long celebration for harmony between cultures with dancing, Moroccan music, art exhibitions and films.{{cite web |title=Fès Festival of World Sacred Music |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/fez/events/fes-festival-of-world-sacred-music/a/poi-fes/1302608/355510 |website=Lonely Planet |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904084602/https://www.lonelyplanet.com/morocco/fez/events/fes-festival-of-world-sacred-music/a/poi-fes/1302608/355510 |url-status=live }}
• The Knysna Oyster festival: held in Knysna and focused around sport, food and their oyster heritage.{{cite web |title=Knysna Oyster Festival |url=http://www.oysterfestival.co.za |website=Oyster Festival |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=26 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326030112/http://www.oysterfestival.co.za/ |url-status=live }}
• Lake of Stars Festival: three-day celebration that takes place in Lake Malawi, showcasing African music and welcoming people from around the world.{{cite web |last1=Lanyado |first1=Benji |title=Malawi's musical turn |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/jun/12/malawi-africa-music-festival |website=The Guardian |date=11 June 2011 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904084709/https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2011/jun/12/malawi-africa-music-festival |url-status=live }}
• Fête du Vodoun: also known as the Ouidah Voodoo Festival. It is centred around their rituals on voodoo temples, with entertainment that includes horse races and traditional drum performances.{{cite news |last1=Okanla |first1=Karim |title=Benin marks Voodoo Day |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1756057.stm |website=BBC News |date=11 January 2002 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904084817/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1756057.stm |url-status=live }}
• Umhlanga (ceremony): is mainly a private event for young women but on the sixth and seventh days the traditions are done publicly.{{cite web |title=Zulu Reed Dance |url=http://eshowe.com/zulu-reed-dance/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818150118/http://eshowe.com/zulu-reed-dance/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=18 August 2013 |website=Eshowe |access-date=4 September 2018}}
• African Border Day is celebrated annually on 7 June to promote peace, cross-border cooperation and regional and continental integration in Africa
• Marsabit Lake Turkana Cultural Festival: held in Kenya and celebrates harmony amongst tribes with their culture, singing, dancing and traditional costumes.{{cite news |last1=Chiba |first1=Yasuyoshi |title=Pictures of the Day: 21 June 2018 |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/21/pictures-day-21-june-2018/dancer-rendille-tribe-performs-launching-ceremony-11th-marsabit/ |website=The Telegraph |date=21 June 2018 |access-date=4 September 2018 |archive-date=4 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904120937/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/21/pictures-day-21-june-2018/dancer-rendille-tribe-performs-launching-ceremony-11th-marsabit/ |url-status=live }}
• Enkutatash is the word for the Ethiopian New Year in Amharic, the official language of Ethiopia. It occurs on 11 September in the Gregorian Calendar; except for the year preceding a leap year, when it occurs on 12 September.

{{div col|colwidth=20em}}

• Africa Adaptation Initiative
• African Century
• African Peer Review Mechanism
• African Renaissance
• African Standby Force
• African Unification Front
• Africanisation
• Central Asian Union
• East African Federation
• Ezulwini agreement
• Friends of the African Union
• Indigenous peoples of Africa
• List of country groupings
• List of multilateral free-trade agreements
• Prevention of environmental migration
• Pan-Africanism
• Pan-African Women's Organization

{{div col end}}

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Library resources box}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20130927110741/http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AfriMAP-AU-Guide-EN.pdf Strengthening Popular Participation in the African Union: A Guide to AU Structures and Processes], AfriMAP and Oxfam GB, 2010.
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080216054523/http://www.afrimap.org/english/images/report/AU_People-DrivenNov07.pdf Towards a People Driven African Union: Current Challenges and New Opportunities]. AfriMAP, AFRODAD and Oxfam GB, January 2007.
• J. B. Cartes Rodríguez (2024), "The African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights", Universidad Pública de Navarra, Pamplona. {{ISBN|978-84-9769-403-2}}.
• {{Cite book |last=Melber |first=Henning |year=2001 |url=https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:nai:diva-215 |title=The New African Initiative and the African Union: A Preliminary Assessment and Documentation |location=Uppsala, Sweden |publisher=Nordiska Afrikainstitutet |isbn=91-7106-486-9 |oclc=49230331}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Manby |first=Bronwen |date=November 2004 |title=The African Union, NEPAD, and Human Rights: The Missing Agenda |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236776391 |journal=Human Rights Quarterly |volume=26 |issue=4 |pages=983–1027 |doi=10.1353/hrq.2004.0051 |jstor=20069770|s2cid=144166728 }}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927195414/http://www.ppl.nl/catalogue.php?ppn=241754658&keyword=African%20Union&pagename=keyword-catalogue Bibliography on the AU at the Peace Palace Library].

{{sister project links|d=Q7159|b=no|v=no|voy=no|n=Category:African Union|s=no|c=category:African Union|q=no|m=no|mw=no}}

{{Spoken Wikipedia|date= October 20, 2006|African_Union.ogg|African_Union2.ogg|African_Union3.ogg|African_Union4.ogg}}

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