Context:
India’s G-20 Sherpa recently said that the Indian Prime Minister’s proposal to make the African Union a permanent member of the G-20 has received an overwhelming response from the grouping.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- The African Union (AU)
- Structure
The African Union (AU):
- The AU is a continental body comprising 55 member states from the African Continent.
- Official Launch: It was officially launched in 2002, succeeding the Organization of African Unity (OAU) established in 1963.
- Primary Objective: To foster unity, cooperation, and development among African nations and promote the continent’s interests globally.
- Vision: To achieve an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa through strengthened political, economic, and social integration.
- Headquarters: Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Structure:
- Assembly: The highest decision-making body, consisting of heads of state and government of member countries.
- Executive Council: Comprising foreign affairs ministers, it handles policy matters and offers recommendations to the Assembly.
- AU Commission: Based in Addis Ababa, it serves as the administrative arm responsible for implementing decisions made by the Assembly and Executive Council.
- Peace and Security Council: Responsible for maintaining peace and security across the continent.
- Participation of Citizens: The AU encourages African citizens and civil society involvement through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
-Source: Indian Express
