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.

• 2002

  Official launch of the African Union

  [1]African Union: History of the OAU and AUau.int

  The African Union was officially launched, succeeding the Organisation of African Unity and expanding its responsibilities in the areas of peace and security, governance, and development.

• 1999

  Proposal to establish the African Union

  [1]African Union: History of the OAU and AUau.int

  African heads of state proposed the establishment of the African Union in the Sirte Declaration, aiming to promote closer political cooperation and regional integration.

• 1963

  Founding of the Organisation of African Unity

  [1]African Union: History of the OAU and AUau.int

  The Organisation of African Unity was founded, becoming an important platform for continent-level political cooperation among African states, with a focus on decolonisation, the fight against apartheid, and African unity.

An intergovernmental political and regional cooperation organization of the African continent

1. 1African Union: History of the OAU and AUau.int
2. 2African Union official websiteau.int