African+Union

Launch of the African Union, 9July2002: //Formerly (1963-2002) Organization of African Unity// intergovernmental organization, established in2 002, to promote unity and solidarity of African states, to spur economic development, and to promote international cooperation. The African Union (AU) replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The AUs headquarters are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Vision of the AU    •   The AU is Africa   's premier institution and principal organization for the promotion of accelerated socio-economic integration of the continent, which will lead to greater unity and solidarity between African countries and peoples. •  The AU is based on the common vision of a united and strong Africa   and on the need to build a  partnership between governments and all segments of civil society, in particular women, youth and the private sector, in order to strengthen solidarity and cohesion amongst the peoples of   Africa. •    As a continental organization it focuses on the promotion of peace, security and stability on the continent as a prerequisite for the implementation of the development and integration agenda of the Union. ** The Objectives of the AU: ** To achieve greater unity and solidarity between the African countries and the peoples of Africa ; •  To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States; •  To accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent; •    To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples; •    To encourage international cooperation, taking due account of the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; •  To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent; •  To promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance; •    To promote and protect human and peoples' rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and other relevant human rights instruments; •    To establish the necessary conditions which en able the continent to play its rightful role in the global economy and in international negotiations; •    To promote sustainable development at the economic, social and cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies; •    To promote co-operation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African peoples; •    To coordinate and harmonize the policies between the existing and future Regional Economic Communities for the gradual attainment of the objectives of the Union ; •    To advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, in particular in science and technology;
 * African Union** : 1/09