African Union

The African Union (AU) is a continental body comprising the member states of the African continent. Established in 2002 as the successor to the Organisation of African Unity, it is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Its stated objectives include promoting unity, political and economic integration, peace and security, and development across Africa. The AU operates through organs including the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Executive Council, the Commission, and the Peace and Security Council. It coordinates responses to conflict and displacement, deploys and authorises peace-support operations, and develops continental policy frameworks. The union works alongside regional economic communities and international partners. Its capacity depends on the cooperation and resources contributed by member states.