AFRICAN UNION By Sindhuja Kuchibhatla

Organization of African Unity (OAU)  May 25, 1963  Under the signatory of 32 governments  Objectives  To rid continent of remaining vestiges of colonization and apartheid  To promote unity and solidarity among African States  To coordinate and intensify cooperation of African States  To defend sovereignty and territorial independence of African States

Timeline  1999: Assembly of OAU decides to expedite the process of economic and political integration in the continent by establishing an African Union  2000: Lome Summit adopted Constitutive Act of the African Union  2001: Lusaka Summit drew road map for implementation of the AU  2002: Durban Summit launched the AU and on July 9, 2002, OAU is disbanded and replaced by the African Union (AU)

What is the African Union?  Pan-African organization  To propel a united continent towards peace and prosperity  54 member nations  “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.”

Important Documents  The Sirte Declaration: (September 9, 1999) Heads of State and Government of the OAU issued a declaration calling for the establishment of an African Union to accelerate the process of integration in the continent.  Constitutive Act of the African Union: (adopted in 2000, entered into force in 2001) has 33 articles, each of which explain the establishment, objectives, principles, organs, meetings, and membership of the African Union. Basically acts a blue-print for the establishment of the African Union

Age of Organization  Established in 2002 by the nations of the former Organization of African Unity (OAU)  Has not changed much from the original  Still continues to follow Constitutive Act

Purpose  To promote African economic, social, and political integration  Other objectives:  To achieve greater unity and solidarity between the African countries and the peoples of Africa  To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States  To accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent  To encourage international cooperation  To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent  To promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance  To promote and protect human and peoples' rights

Membership  As of March 15, 2012, there are 54 nations  Admission to Membership: According to Article 29, any African State can enter with a notification to the Chairman of the Commission. The Chairman of the Commission sends copies of notification to all Member States and admission is decided by a majority of the Member States.  Cessation of Membership: The State must forward a written notification to the Chairman of Commission, who then informs the Member States. Up to one year of the notification, the Act still applies to the State. After the one year period, the Act shall cease to apply to the State and the State will cease to belong to the Union.

Leadership  Assembly: Composed of Heads of State and Government Supreme organ of the Union Meet at least once a year Office of Chairman of Assembly is held for a period of one year Powers: to determine common policies of the Union, to consider requests for membership, and to receive, consider, and take decisions on reports and recommendations from the other organs  Executive Council Composed of Ministers of Foreign Affairs Meets at least twice a year Takes decisions based on two-thirds majority of Member States

Leadership (cont.)  Pan-African Parliament currently has 230 members follows a specific protocol to promote coordination and harmonization of policies and laws of the Member States  Court of Justice: lay down rules and ensure protection of human rights  Commission: Key organ in carrying out day-to-day management Consists of Chairperson, Deputy of Chair Person, 8 Commissioners, and Staff Members Represents Union and defends its interests, prepares strategic plans for the consideration of the Executive Council Elected by the Assembly Current Chairperson: Yayi Boni (January 29, Present)

Advantages & Disadvantages  More security  Receives aid from countries around the world on its promise for peace and health for all Africans  Promotes scientific and technological advancements  Tries to improve educational and career opportunities  Loosely modeled off the EU, but AU is set in an unstable, war-torn area. EU is situated in a stable and prosperous area.  No set economic or political requirements for membership  Member states have massive levels of poverty  Many people in Africa have diseases like HIV/AIDS AdvantagesDisadvantages

China January 28, 2012: China funds a newly built headquarters in Addis Ababa (capital of Ethiopia) China is interested in Africa’s natural resources African leaders welcome the Chinese Iran March 24, 2012: Iran supports efforts by the African Union, where a coup was staged against the government Islamic Republic “will always support territorial integrity, unity, peace, stability, and respect for the rights of people and democracy in Mali.” Nigeria Member State of the African Union since May 25, 1963 (founding member) Head of State and Government: President Goodluck Jonathan March 27, 2012: AU endorses Nigeria’s Finance Minister for World Bank President

Works Cited  "African Union Endorses Nigeria's Finance Minister for World Bank President | Africa | English." Voice of America ®. Web. 27 Mar  "African Union Opens Chinese-funded HQ in Ethiopia." BBC News. BBC, 28 Jan Web. 27 Mar  "African Union." About.com Geography. 02 Sept Web. 27 Mar  "Chairperson of the African Union." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Mar Web. 27 Mar  "The Commission." Web. 27 Mar  "Constitutive Act." Web. 27 Mar  "PressTV - Iran Supports African Union Efforts to Restore Peace in Mali." Press TV. Web. 27 Mar  "Untitled Document." Web. 27 Mar