What is the African Union?

The African Union (AU) is the continental organization that brings together 55 African states. It was created to promote unity, peace and development and cooperation between the continent's countries.

Creation date

The AU came into being in 2002replacing the Organization of African Unity (OAU), founded in 1963.

Its main objectives

• Uniting African countries around a common vision
• Strengthening peace and security
• Accelerating economic integration
• Defending human rights

The African Union is political voice of the continentplaying a major diplomatic, economic and security role.