33.3.2 African Union (AU)

Establishment and Background

Structure and Governance

• The AU has a parliament and a Peace and Security Council, reflecting its commitment to governance and security on the continent. The AU operates through intergovernmental decision-making, allowing member states to collaborate on various issues while retaining their sovereignty.
• The AU has ambitious plans for future integration, including proposals for a single currency and a Human Rights court, although these goals have yet to be fully realized.

Peacekeeping and Security Efforts

• The AU has increasingly taken on peacekeeping responsibilities, often replacing UN peacekeepers in African conflicts. Notable examples include missions in Somalia and Darfur, where AU forces have played a critical role in stabilizing these regions.
• While many AU peacekeeping operations are still UN-funded, the use of regional troops from within Africa provides greater legitimacy and often results in more effective peacekeeping efforts. This regional approach is seen as crucial in conflicts where local knowledge and involvement are essential for success.

Challenges and Criticisms

• The AU has faced significant challenges in its peacekeeping and governance roles. For instance, the AU struggled to restrain Ethiopian forces during the internal conflict in 2020, highlighting the limitations of its influence in certain situations.
• In 2017, the AU threatened to pull African states from the International Criminal Court (ICC), accusing the ICC of being discriminatory and unfairly targeting African leaders. This reflects broader concerns within the AU about international justice and its application to African states.

Case Study: Somalia AU Peacekeeping Operation

• The AU's peacekeeping operation in Somalia is a key example of its involvement in regional security. The mission, deemed "mission impossible" by many, was backed by the UN Security Council and launched in 2007 with funding from UN member states.
• This operation marked an important moment for the partnership between the AU and the UN. Despite significant challenges, including a small budget of $335 million and the absence of air support or airstrikes, the AU committed 8,000 soldiers, which eventually rose to 21,000.
• It took four years to secure the capital, Mogadishu, demonstrating the high levels of commitment required. The mission's success led to significant political changes in Somalia, including the establishment of a new constitution, prime minister, president, and parliament.

Conclusion

The African Union (AU) has emerged as a key player in addressing the political and security challenges of the African continent. While it has ambitious goals for deeper integration and greater self-reliance, it faces significant challenges, particularly in its peacekeeping operations and its relationship with international institutions like the ICC. The AU's involvement in missions like the one in Somalia illustrates both the potential and the limitations of regional organizations in addressing complex conflicts. As the AU continues to evolve, its ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in determining its future role in African and global governance.