African Union

The African Union (AU) is an intergovernmental organization of African states headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It was formally established in 2002, succeeding and broadening the role of the Organization of African Unity. Its activities cover peace and security, conflict prevention and mediation, governance, regional integration, infrastructure, trade, public health, education, gender equality, and sustainable development. Through institutions including the Assembly, Executive Council, Commission, and Peace and Security Council, the AU coordinates member-state positions and represents common African interests in regional and international affairs. It is not a commercial enterprise or financial institution; its brand primarily represents a collective political identity and cooperation framework for African states.

The African Union succeeded the Organization of African Unity, which was founded in 1963. The OAU focused on supporting African independence, opposing colonialism and apartheid, protecting member-state sovereignty, and promoting African unity. After the end of the Cold War and amid changes in Africa's political and economic environment, member states sought a framework with stronger institutional capacity and a greater emphasis on regional integration. In 1999, African heads of state and government adopted the Sirte Declaration, calling for the creation of an African Union. The Constitutive Act of the African Union was adopted in 2000 and entered into force in 2001. The AU was formally launched in 2002, replacing the OAU in organizational structure and mandate. It subsequently developed institutions including the AU Commission and the Peace and Security Council, while expanding its agenda from decolonization and sovereignty to conflict management, democratic governance, economic integration, public health, and sustainable development. Its headquarters are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and it works with African regional organizations and international partners.

1. 2002
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2. 1999
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3. 1963
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1. African Union: History of the OAU and AU
2. African Union official website