About African Union:
- It is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
- It was officially launched in 2002 and replaced its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963.
- Primary Objective: To promote unity, cooperation, and development among African nations while advancing the continent’s interests on the global stage.
- Headquarters: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Governance of African Union:
- Assembly: It is the highest decision-making body, consisting of the heads of state and government of member countries.
- Executive Council: Made up of foreign affairs ministers, handles policy matters and makes recommendations to the Assembly.
- AU Commission: Headquartered in Addis Ababa, is the administrative arm responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly and the Executive Council.
- The Peace and Security Council: Responsible for maintaining peace and security on the continent.
The AU structure promotes the participation of African citizens and civil society through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
