African Union

The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Recent news highlights the AU's involvement in several critical areas. The AU Commission President condemned a double bombing in Algeria, demonstrating the organization's role in addressing security concerns. The AU is also central to the ongoing discourse on slavery reparations, energized by a recent UN resolution, although internal disagreements exist, as seen with Macky Sall's unsuccessful bid for UN Secretary-General due to lack of AU support. Furthermore, the AU's appointment of Jakaya Kikwete as High Representative for the Horn of Africa and Red Sea has sparked controversy. The organization's relevance is underscored by its attempts to mediate conflicts and address historical injustices, while navigating a changing global landscape marked by declining US foreign aid and shifting international recognition, such as Israel's recognition of Somaliland.