The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 55 African countries. It was established on May 26, 2001, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and formally launched on July 26, 2002, replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was founded in 1963. The main objectives of the AU are to promote unity and solidarity among African states, enhance political and economic integration, and improve the well-being of African people.
Key goals include:
- Promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa.
- Advancing economic integration and development.
- Promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance.
- Strengthening the role of Africa in global affairs.
The AU’s headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It has various organs, including the African Union Commission, the Pan-African Parliament, and the Peace and Security Council. The AU also works with regional economic communities like ECOWAS (West Africa), SADC (Southern Africa), and others, to promote regional cooperation and stability.
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