THE

African Union

The African Union (AU), an intergovernmental organization consisting of 55 African countries, was founded in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) which was established on 25th May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to promote unity and solidarity among African countries and to advocate for the decolonization of African territories.

The African Union has several objectives, including promoting economic and political integration among its member states, promoting peace, security, and stability on the continent, and advancing the interests of Africa in the global community. The organization also works to address issues such as poverty, disease, and underdevelopment on the continent through various programs and initiatives.

The African Union is governed by several bodies, including the Assembly of the African Union, which is composed of the Heads of State and Government of member countries. The organization has a number of specialized agencies and programs, including the African Union Commission, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights,