The African Union (AU) is made up of several key institutions that work together to achieve the organization's goals and objectives. These institutions include:
1. The Assembly of the African Union: This is the highest decision-making body of the AU and is made up of the heads of state and government of all member countries. The Assembly meets twice a year to discuss and make decisions on key issues affecting the continent.
2. The Executive Council: This is composed of foreign ministers from member countries and is responsible for implementing the decisions made by the Assembly. The Executive Council meets regularly to discuss and coordinate the AU's activities.
3. The Commission: The Commission is the AU's secretariat and is responsible for implementing the organization's policies and decisions. It is headed by a Chairperson who is elected by the Assembly and is supported by a team of commissioners who oversee different areas of the AU's work.
4. The Pan-African Parliament: The Pan-African Parliament is a legislative body of the AU and is made up of representatives from all member countries. It has the power to discuss and make recommendations on issues affecting the continent, but its decisions are not binding.
5. The Peace and Security Council: The Peace and Security Council is responsible for promoting peace and security in Africa. It is made up of representatives from member countries and meets regularly to discuss and address conflicts and security threats on the continent.
6. The Economic, Social, and Cultural Council: This council is made up of representatives from civil society organizations, trade unions, and other stakeholders. It provides input and advice on economic, social, and cultural issues affecting Africa.
7. The African Court of Justice and Human Rights: This is the judicial arm of the AU and is responsible for interpreting and enforcing the organization's laws and treaties. It has jurisdiction over cases involving human rights violations and other legal disputes.
Overall, the institutional structure of the African Union is designed to promote cooperation and integration among member countries and to address the continent's most pressing challenges.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 3
Assembly of the African Union (AU Assembly)
- The supreme decision-making body of the AU, composed of the Heads of State and Government of all AU member states. - Meets at least once a year to set policy and provide guidance on major issues affecting the continent.
Executive Council
- Consists of Foreign Ministers of AU member states. - Prepares agenda for AU Assembly meetings and follows up on implementation of decisions.
Permanent Representatives' Committee (PRC)
- Composed of Ambassadors or Permanent Representatives of AU member states accredited to the AU headquarters. - Meets regularly to prepare for and support the work of the Executive Council and AU Assembly.
Peace and Security Council (PSC)
- Responsible for promoting peace, security, and stability on the African continent. - Addresses conflicts, authorizes peace operations, and mediates disputes.
African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
- A voluntary self-monitoring mechanism to promote good governance and democratic practices among AU member states. - Conducts peer reviews and provides recommendations for improvement.
Specialized Technical Committees (STCs)
- Committees that focus on specific areas, such as Economic Affairs, Social Affairs, and Science and Technology. - Provide expert advice and recommendations to the AU Assembly and other organs.
Pan-African Parliament (PAP)
- A consultative body composed of elected representatives from AU member states. - Provides a platform for discussing continental issues and representing the interests of African citizens.
African Union Commission (AUC)
- The Secretariat of the AU, responsible for implementing decisions and coordinating activities. - Headed by a Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson.
Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
- Regional organizations that cooperate on economic, political, and security issues within their respective regions. - Include: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Southern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC), etc.
Other Organs and Institutions
- African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights - African Development Bank - African Union Mission to the United Nations - African Standby Force