The African Union(AU)

African Union: The Crane of Humanity and Unity

The African Union, described here as the "crane of humanity and unity," symbolizes the lifting and unifying force of the African continent. In many cultures, the crane is a bird associated with grace, balance, and perseverance. For Africa, this imagery represents the collective effort to rise above historical challenges, foster unity among nations, and achieve shared prosperity. The African Union (AU) serves as the embodiment of this vision, working to ensure peace, cooperation, and progress across the continent.

This organization plays a pivotal role as a medium of diplomacy to enhance collaboration among member states and dispel the notion—rooted in realist theory—that states are inherently in conflict and incapable of peaceful coexistence. Realists, such as Thucydides and Thomas Hobbes, have argued that states are in perpetual pursuit of power, often leading to war. Hobbes famously described this condition as the "state of nature." In contrast, liberalist perspectives emphasize the possibility of peaceful coexistence, which inspired global efforts like the League of Nations. Similarly, the idea of an African Union was championed by leaders like Kwame Nkrumah in the 1960s, who envisioned a united Africa, even as defining the specifics of such unity proved challenging.

The Establishment and Vision of the African Union

The African Union was formally established on May 26, 2001, with the vision of creating a peaceful and prosperous Africa. The idea was strongly advocated by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The AU replaced its predecessor, the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was established in 1963, three years after many African nations gained independence. The OAU primarily focused on eradicating colonialism and promoting unity among African countries. It launched several initiatives, including the Lagos Plan of Action and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, and played a key role in combating terrorism.

Key Achievements of the African Union

1. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

The AfCFTA was established to create a single market for goods and services across the continent, facilitating the free movement of people and capital. Launched in 2018 and operational from January 2021, AfCFTA covers all 55 AU member states, making it the largest free trade area in the world. By reducing tariffs and other trade barriers, it aims to make African products more competitive globally.

In March 2023, the AfCFTA Secretariat and Afreximbank introduced the Adjustment Fund, which includes a base fund, a general fund, and a credit fund to support African countries adapting to new trading mechanisms. For example, a 2023 meeting highlighted that increasing intra-African trade by just 1% could generate $70 billion—surpassing the $58 billion provided annually in development aid.

2. Peace and Security Council (PSC)

Established in 2002, the PSC consists of 15 member states tasked with addressing peace and security issues in Africa. It oversees peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution efforts, including the implementation of the United Nations Security Council's Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

In November 2023, the African Union Commission's Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (DPAPS) hosted the 8th Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies in Benin. This event emphasized the AU's commitment to strengthening democracy and governance across the continent.

3. Agenda 2063

Agenda 2063 was adopted as a strategic framework to achieve inclusive social and economic development over a 50-year period (2013–2063). This ambitious plan prioritizes investments in agribusiness, health, education, and infrastructure to boost economic growth and foster innovation.

By focusing on regional integration and sustainable development, Agenda 2063 represents Africa’s vision of a prosperous future driven by its own people and resources.

Conclusion

The African Union continues to play a critical role in uniting the continent and addressing its challenges. Whether through economic initiatives like AfCFTA, peacekeeping efforts by the PSC, or long-term development strategies under Agenda 2063, the AU demonstrates its commitment to fostering a united and prosperous Africa.

The symbolism of the crane—a creature that lifts and soars gracefully—captures the essence of the African Union’s mission. By lifting the continent through unity, cooperation, and shared purpose, the AU aims to build a future where Africa thrives on its own terms.

References

African Union Official Website: https://au.int

"The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA): Progress and Potential," AfCFTA Secretariat (2023).

Hobbes, Thomas. Leviathan (1651).

United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325: https://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/wps/

"Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want," African Union (2013): https://au.int/agenda2063

Afreximbank and AfCFTA Secretariat Adjustment Fund Launch (2023): https://afreximbank.com

Annual Continental Forum of Election Management Bodies (2023), AU DPAPS: https://au.int/dpaps