African Union

Who was the predecessor of the African Union

OAU = Organisation of African Union (1963-2002)

When was the AU founded and by what act?

• 2002

• Constitutive act 

How many members?

55

Where is the seat?

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

What has sovereignty characterised?

The crucial principles of post-colonised countries

What is the mandate/ objective of AU?

• Achieve greater unity a solidarity between African countries & the people of Africa

• Defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, & independence of member states

• Respect & promote human rights & peoples rights

• Promote Sustainable Development 

What changed between the AU and its predecessor?

From non-interference to non-indifference

= AU allows for intervention & sanctions in “grave circumstances”:

• War crimes

• Genocide

• Crimes against humanity 

What allows the AU to enact sanctions?

2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections & Governance

= legally binding

What allows for enforcement in the AU?

The Assembly:

• Can impose sanctions but not sure military force 

• Peace & Security Council can authorise peace-enforcement missions 

What is a rule about governments entering the office?

• Anti-coup rule

• governments that enter the office unconstitutionally are banned from participating in the AU

Name 6 organs in the structure of the AU

• General Assembly

• Executive Council

• Peace & Security Council

• African Union Commission

• Pan African Parliament

• ECOSOC organ

General Assembly

Plenary organ (decision-making)

• formed by state leaders

Executive Council

Composed of Minister of Foreign Affairs & responds to GA

Peace & Security Council

15 rotatory members (non are permanent) 

• decisions on 2/3 majority 

• can authorise peace-enforcement missions

African Union Commission

Secretarial of AU

• Secretary General

Pan-African Parliament

Assembles parts of the government to meet

ECOSOC organ

• Economic, social, cultural aspects

• New protocol = regional Charter

  • Jurisdiction of the Charter only applies to countries who have ratified the agreement