African Union

The African Union (abbreviated AU), founded in July 2002, is the successor organisation to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Modelled after the European Union (but currently with powers closer to the Commonwealth of Nations), it aims to help promote democracy, human rights and development across Africa, especially by increasing foreign investment through the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) program. Its first chairman was South African president Thabo Mbeki.

Organisation

The Current Chairman of the African Union is Olusegun Obasanjo, and the Commission Chairman is Alpha Oumar Konaré.

Related Topics:
Chairman of the African Union - Olusegun Obasanjo - Alpha Oumar Konaré

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Even though the African Union is officially modelled on the European Union, it looks more like a mix of EU, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. It has a number of official bodies:

Related Topics:
Council of Europe - United Nations

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• Pan-African Parliament, is located in Midrand, South Africa, composed of elected representatives from the five regions of Africa, and intended to provide civil-society participation in the processes of the African Union. This institution is similar to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.
• African Commission, composed of 10 commissioners (including a chair and deputy chair) and staff. As the secretariat of the African Union, it is responsible for administrative issues and co-ordination of African Union activities and meetings. As of 2004, the Chairman is Alpha Oumar Konaré, former president of Mali. This institution is similar to the European Commission.
• African Court of Justice, which will rule on human-rights abuses in Africa. The court consists of 11 judges, elected by the Assembly. This court is similar to the European Court of Human Rights.
• Executive Council, composed of ministers designated by the governments of members states. It decides on matters such as foreign trade, social security, food, agriculture and communications, is accountable to the Assembly, and prepares material for the Assembly to discuss and approve. This is similar to the Council of the European Union.
• Assembly, composed of heads of state and heads of government of member states. The most important decision-making body of the African Union, it meets once a year and makes its decisions by consensus or by a two-thirds majority. The current Chairman of the Assembly is Olusegun Obasanjo, president of Nigeria. This institution is a mix between the European Council and the United Nations General Assembly.
• Permanent Representatives' Committee, composed of nominated permanent representatives of member states. It prepares the work for the Executive Council. This institution is similar to the Permanent Representatives' Committee (COREPER) of the European Union.
• Peace and Security Council, proposed at the Lusaka Summit in 2001; a protocol to establish this group has not yet been ratified. It would have 15 members responsible for monitoring and intervening in conflicts, would be advised by a council of elders, and would have an African force at its disposal. This institution is similar to the Security Council of the United Nations.
• Economic, Social and Cultural Council, an advisory organ composed of professional and civic representatives. This institution is similar to the European Economic and Social Council.
• Specialized Technical Committees

Financial institutions:

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• African Central Bank
• African Monetary Fund
• African Investment Bank