Unit 6 - African Union and decolonisation

Question 1

What are the objectives of the
AU ?

Answer 1

• Promoting political and economic integration of Africa.
• Enhancing Africa’s position in the global arena.
• Promoting peace, security, and stability across the continent .

Question 2

What are the principles of the
AU ?

Answer 2

• Prohibition of the use of force, peaceful coexistence, respect for human rights, and democracy.
• New thinking around African cooperation, such as a common defense policy, the right to intervene in cases of war crimes or crimes against humanity.

Question 3

Discuss the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Answer 3

• This is the supreme decision-making body of the AU, composed of all 55 Heads of State or Government.
• It is where key decisions are made, policies are adopted, and the AU’s overall direction is set.
• The Assembly is essential for understanding how the AU works at the highest level and makes decisions on critical issues like the budget, continental integration, and peace and security.

Question 4

Discuss the Peace and Security Council.

Answer 4

• Is arguably the most critical institution for the AU’s mandate on peace and security.
• It handles the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts.
• Given that Africa has faced many conflicts and crises, the role in intervention (including peacekeeping) and early warning systems makes it vital for ensuring stability across the continent.

Question 5

Discuss the African Union Commission.

Answer 5

• Is the executive arm of the AU and is responsible for implementing decisions and policies made by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Executive Council.
• The AUC coordinates the day-to-day activities of the AU, represents the Union, and plays a crucial role in shaping AU policies, especially in areas like development, integration, and human rights.

Question 6

Discuss the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Answer 6

• Is a key institution for upholding human rights and democratic principles within the AU.
• It has the mandate to ensure that member states respect the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and it provides a judicial remedy for victims of human rights violations.
• The court’s role is essential for the AU’s broader mission to protect the rights and dignity of African citizens.

Question 7

Discuss the African Union Development Agency.

Answer 7

• AUDA-NEPAD drives the AU’s economic development agenda and plays a central role in the implementation of Agenda 2063, which is the continent’s blueprint for economic growth, integration, and sustainable development.
• The agency is tasked with coordinating and mobilizing resources for Africa’s development and working with other institutions to advance the AU’s objectives in areas like infrastructure development, poverty reduction.

Question 8

What are the Peace and Security Architecture ?

Answer 8

• African Standby Force (ASF), Panel of the Wise, Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), and the Peace Fund are the key pillars.
• The AU’s right to intervene in cases of serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity is enshrined in Article 4(h).

Question 9

Discuss Human Rights and Democratic principles.

Answer 9

• The AU has a strong commitment to promoting human rights through its African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which includes civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights.
• The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides a judicial mechanism to uphold these rights, though its decisions are not always legally binding.

Question 10

Discuss the AU’s role in Global Governance.

Answer 10

• In addition to regional peace efforts, the AU advocates for greater African representation in global institutions, such as the United Nations.
• The Ezulwini Consensus proposed that Africa should have two permanent seats with veto power on the UN Security Council.

Question 11

Dischss the tension with the ICC.

Answer 11

• The AU has called for the withdrawal of African states from the Rome Statute due to concerns about the indictment of sitting African heads of state.
• This has led to amendments in the ACJ&HR Protocol, including the creation of an International Criminal Division.