Union africaine (UA)

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). The AU's mission is to promote unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African states, and to safeguard their sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence. It also aims to accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent. The AU is newsworthy due to its recent statement regarding a UN resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade as a "worst crime against humanity." The AU lauded the resolution, which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on March 25, 2026. This highlights the AU's role in advocating for historical justice and addressing issues of human rights and dignity on the global stage. The AU's support for the resolution underscores its commitment to confronting the legacy of slavery and promoting a more equitable world order. The absence of Benin during the vote was linked to a "dysfunction".