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African Union (AU)

The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of all 55 countries on the African continent. It was established on 26th May 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the aim of promoting unity and solidarity of African states, to spur economic development, and to promote international cooperation. In this respect, the AU’s vision is “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena.” The objectives of the AU are:

  1. To achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and Africans.
  2. To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States.
  3. To accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent.

The African Union has been effective in boosting cooperation and unity within Africa, putting its efforts towards diminishing conflict and boosting democracy.  Processes are also being implemented that aim to diminish corruption and boost credibility amongst African leaders like the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). APRM evaluates member states on their successes and failures in a wide range of areas. Under this mechanism, leaders submit themselves to public scrutiny.

 

Uganda has been hailed as being among many examples of governments leading society and acting decisively in building a better life for current and future generations despite challenges. Uganda’s efforts in promotion of gender equality and empowering women; free movement of persons; the fight against malaria and child education have been recognized by the African Union. Furthermore, the country is pursuing its development objectives in line with the African Union Agenda 2063, which is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent over the next 50 years. The agenda puts forward seven aspirations for “the Africa that we want” as below:

  1. A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development
  2. An integrated continent, politically united and based on the ideals of Pan-Africanism and the vision of Africa’s Renaissance
  3. An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of Law
  4. A peaceful and secure Africa
  5. An Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, shared values and ethics
  6. An Africa whose development is people-driven, relying on the potential of African people, especially its women and youth, and caring for children
  7. Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner

http://www.un.org/en/africa/osaa/pdf/au/agenda2063.pd

 

 

African Union Commission (AUC) Signs Grant Agreement worth US $ 1,000,000 with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE).

 

In December 2023, African Union Commission (AUC) Signed a financing grant agreement worth US $ 1,000,000 with the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). The grant is provided through the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund as part of AU’s support to the effective implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) program, pursuant to the Agreement for Lasting Peace through the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), on 2 November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa. The grant was provided through the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund as part of AU’s support to the effective implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) program, pursuant to the Agreement for Lasting Peace through the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), signed between the Government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), on 2 November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.

 

African Risk Capacity Establishment Agreement to Effectively Address the Impacts of Extreme Weather Events Signed in Addis Ababa. In November 2023, Government of the Republic of South Sudan signed the African Risk Capacity Establishment Agreement to Effectively Address the Impacts of Extreme Weather Events and this signaled a significant step in enhancing its climate-induced disaster preparedness and response capabilities by signing the African Risk Capacity (ARC) Treaty. In an era where climate change is taking a major toll on the lives and livelihoods the African population, South Sudan’s move to sign the Treaty goes to secure the country’s sustainable development.

 

The 8th Pan African Forum on Migration (PAFoM-8) held. In October 2023, African Union (AU) held the 8th Pan African Forum on Migration (PAFoM-8) under Theme: “Bolstering Free Movement and Trade Nexus in AFCFTA: Optimizing Benefits of Migration, Labour Migration for Development”. The Forum amongst others will contribute to the AU theme of the year 2023 theme “Acceleration of AfCFTA Implementation” by unpacking the linkages between the AfCFTA, Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Labour Migration across the continent. Special emphasis will be placed on women and men migrant workers, as well as discuss the good examples and mechanisms through which different stakeholders (countries of origin and countries of destination, civil society organizations and social partners) can highlight benefits derived from an integrated economic development for Africa.