by ADANE BIKILA
ADDIS ABABA – THE African Union (AU) is this weekend set to mark 62 years of the continental body amid the setbacks of conflict, hunger, climate change and global geopolitical tensions hampering progress made over the years.
The grouping was established on May 25 in 1963, as the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after a meeting by 32 heads of state.
OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for a continent that was united, free and in control of its own destiny.
The founders recognised that freedom, equality, justice and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African people.
Their guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centred on African socialism and promoted African unity.
Today, it is known as AU after its rebranding in South Africa in 2002.
It is now a 55-member union.
While most aspirations were attained, above-mentioned challenges remain.
Among these is the violent extremism in West Africa, where coups are still rife, the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and northern Mozambique, and the issue of climate change, where the continent is the most afflicted by global warming.
African countries have also failed to find a common standing on geopolitical issues.
This week, leading to the 63rd milestone the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Member States of the AU and European Union (EU) met in Brussels for the third Ministerial Meeting. EU was founded in 1993, 30 years after the OAU
AU Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, highlighted significant progress in many African countries towards achieving macroeconomic stability, and implementation of reforms, particularly through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The AUC Chairperson stressed the urgency of moving from commitments to implementation, especially in light of Africa joining the G20, and today’s multilateral landscape,” Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson of the chairperson, and Wynne Musabayana, Commission Head of Communications stated.
Youssouf emphasised the crucial importance of peace and security for African development, and that the partnership with Europe is vital for stability on the continent.
“The Chairperson stressed the need for ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and solidarity to make the partnership successful. He also called for a commitment to strengthening cooperation, and finding practical solutions to pressing global and regional issues, to benefit both Africa and Europe.”
On Thursday and Friday, the AU Commission on International Law (AUCIL) held its forum under the theme, “International Law, WTO Reform and Implementation of the AfCFTA.”
This year’s forum came at a defining moment for Africa’s economic integration and global trade engagement, as the AfCFTA entered its operational phase and WTO (World Trade Organisation) reform gained momentum on the international stage.
The forum examined how international law could anchor Africa’s proposals in ongoing WTO reform processes, while ensuring the AfCFTA’s implementation remains both robust and inclusive.
AUCIL is the only annual Pan-African platform focused on international legal discourse.
