October, 2002

The African Union: A Step on the Course of African Collective Work

Rania Hussein Khafaga

The Durban summit convened in July of this year provided a push forward for the African Union. The summit set broad lines for the transitional era needed to replace the Organisation of African Unity -OAU- with the African Union, in accordance with Article 33 of the union’s founding charter, and resolved to establish a council for African peace and security. It also declared the coming decade, from 2002 to 2011, a decade for enhancing African capabilities and put considerable emphasis on the ‘New Partnership for the Development of Africa.’ The significance of this partnership stems from its provision of a detailed practical plan for the achievement of African Union goals for development and the establishment of an African economic community.

The founding charter of the African Union represents a big step towards African unity. The charter specifies a high degree of political cooperation in the prevention of disputes, protection of human rights and consolidation of democratic principles, and attaches great importance to the economic integration of the continent. The most remarkable features of the African Union on the organisational level include the emphasis on popular participation in the union through the establishment of an African parliament, in addition to the economic, social and cultural council that will act as a consultative body comprising different professional and social groups from the member states.

There are, however, numerous challenges ahead for the African Union, including those related to the reality of the countries of Africa and the nature of the interaction between them, as well, of course, as the challenges of the new world order. In addition, the countries of Africa suffer from structural deficiencies in their economies, as well as poverty, debt burdens and scarce foreign investment, which could cause major funding problems for the activities of the African Union.

On the political and security levels, the union must address the various conflicts and civil wars in the continent, some of which have lasted decades. And on the foreign level, there is the negative impact of globalisation to contend with, as well as the effect on the international environment of the events of 11 September 2001, with many accusing African countries of providing shelter for terrorist groups.

In the end, however, the African Union’s ability to handle the many challenges before it will be the main factor in determining its future course.