Lecture on the African Union

Introduction to Unions

• Examples of unions:
  • United Kingdoms
  • United States
  • United Nations
  • United Arab Emirates
  • Rugby Union
  • Political and economic unions
• Focus of the lecture: African Union

Overview of the African Union

• Type: Intergovernmental organization
• Members: 55 member states
• Role: Forum for cooperation and mediation between countries

Historical Context

• Evolutionary birthplace: Africa
• Decolonization: 20th century
  • Many African countries finding post-independence identities
• Organisation of African Unity (OAU):
  • Established in 1963
  • Purpose: Promote unity among African countries
  • Shift to African Union:
    • 1999 meeting in Libya organized by Colonel Gaddafi
    • Declaration for stronger unity and cohesion
    • African Union established in 2002

Membership Details

• General membership: All African countries
• Exceptions:
  • Spanish-owned exclaves not part of AU
  • Somaliland not recognized as a sovereign state
  • Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) recognized, causing Morocco's initial withdrawal
• Diaspora inclusion:
  • AU encourages participation of African diaspora
  • No full membership for non-African countries
• Suspensions for undemocratic actions:
  • Examples: Central African Republic, Egypt, Guinea, Mali, etc.
  • Current status: No suspensions

Functions and Objectives of the African Union

• Comparison with European Union:
  • No single currency like Euro, but future goal
  • No visa-free travel zone, but AU passports being introduced
  • Has a peacekeeping force
  • Pan-African parliament exists but is advisory, not legislative
  • Members of parliament nominated, not directly elected
• Size and Scale:
  • Larger than EU in terms of both size and population

Purpose and Potential

• Primary role: Forum for debate and collaboration on continental issues
• Current impact vs. potential:
  • Less direct impact on citizens compared to EU
  • Significant potential for future unity and progress
• Long-term hopes:
  • Enhance growth and recovery from colonialism

Conclusion

• Enormous potential for fulfilling goals of unity and progress
• Continues to evolve as a central institution for African recovery and collaboration

Additional Notes

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