Isabella Carter
The Constitutive Act of the African Union, signed in 2000, is a framework for the African Union (AU) to conduct itself by. It outlines the AU's objectives, which include achieving greater unity, cohesion, and solidarity between African countries and defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states. The Act also promotes cooperation in all fields to raise living standards and advance the development of the continent. To correctly cite this important document, one must adhere to the specific style guidelines of their chosen format, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago style, ensuring that all in-text citations and references are accurately presented.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of signing | 11 July 2000 |
| Place of signing | Lomé, Togo |
| Date entered into force | 26 May 2001 |
| Number of signatory states | 53 |
| Number of states that ratified the document | 55 |
| Last states to ratify | South Sudan and Morocco |
| Objective(s) | To achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between African countries and African nations |
| To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States | |
| To accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent | |
| To promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples | |
| To promote cooperation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African peoples | |
| To coordinate and harmonise policies between existing and future Regional Economic Communities for the gradual attainment of the objectives of the Union | |
| To advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, especially science and technology | |
| To work with relevant international partners in eradicating preventable diseases and promoting good health on the continent |
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What You'll Learn
The AU's objectives
The African Union (AU) is a continental union of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The Constitutive Act of the African Union sets out the framework under which the AU conducts itself. The objectives of the AU are:
To promote peace, security, and stability on the continent
The AU aims to resolve conflicts among member states through peaceful means. This is implemented by the Peace and Security Council, which is the primary body charged with maintaining peace and security within the AU.
To achieve greater unity, cohesion, and solidarity between African countries and nations
The AU seeks to promote cooperation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African people. This includes coordinating policies between Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to gradually achieve the objectives of the Union.
To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states
The AU works to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its members and to promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations. The AU also promotes the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
To advance the development of the continent by promoting research and innovation
The AU seeks to promote research and innovation in all fields, with a particular focus on science and technology. Additionally, the AU works with relevant international partners to eradicate preventable diseases and promote good health on the continent.
To promote Africa's growth and economic development
The AU aims to achieve this by championing citizen inclusion and increased cooperation and integration of African states. Agenda 2063 is the strategic framework for delivering on Africa's goal of inclusive and sustainable development, with a vision of transforming Africa into a global powerhouse.
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AU membership
The Constitutive Act of the African Union, signed on 11 July 2000, outlines the framework for the African Union's conduct and objectives. It entered into force on 26 May 2001 after being ratified by two-thirds of the 53 signatory states. When a state ratifies the Act, it formally becomes a member of the AU. As of now, all 55 signatory states have ratified the document, with South Sudan and Morocco being the latest to do so.
The AU membership is open to all African states. The Constitutive Act does not provide specific criteria or eligibility requirements for membership. However, it is implied that membership is based on the recognition of the African continent as a whole and the commitment to the AU's objectives and principles.
The objectives of the AU, as outlined in the Act, include achieving greater unity, cohesion, and solidarity among African countries and defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states. The AU also aims to accelerate political and socio-economic integration, promote cooperation in all fields to raise living standards, and defend African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.
To join the AU, a state typically goes through the following process:
- Application: The interested state submits an official application to the AU, expressing its interest in becoming a member and providing relevant information.
- Assessment: The AU Commission, in consultation with existing member states, evaluates the application. They consider factors such as the state's commitment to democratic principles, respect for human rights, and adherence to the AU's values and objectives.
- Approval: If the application is successful, the AU Commission recommends the state's membership to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which makes the final decision.
- Ratification: The state is then invited to ratify the Constitutive Act, which formalizes its membership in the AU.
It is important to note that the specific steps and requirements may vary depending on the AU's internal procedures and the political context at the time of application. Additionally, there may be political considerations and negotiations involved in the process, as the AU seeks to maintain cohesion and consensus among its members.
The AU also has mechanisms for suspending or expelling members under certain circumstances, such as when a member state undergoes an unconstitutional change of government or violates the principles and values of the AU. These measures are outlined in the Constitutive Act and other relevant AU documents.
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AU and human rights
The Constitutive Act of the African Union, signed on 11 July 2000, outlines the objectives of the AU, which include achieving greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between African countries, defending the sovereignty of member states, and accelerating the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
The AU is committed to promoting and respecting human rights, as outlined in its various treaties, conventions, and protocols. The AU has established Judicial, Human Rights, and Legal Organs to support the implementation of good governance and respect for human rights on the continent.
The AU's Agenda 2063 envisions a continent with a universal culture of good governance, democratic values, gender equality, and respect for human rights, justice, and the rule of law. The AU works with member states to develop policies and laws that promote citizen inclusion, participation, and engagement in policymaking and development initiatives.
The AU has several organs and departments dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights, including the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR), the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR), and the Department of Political Affairs, which coordinates the implementation of democratic principles, respect for human rights, and civil society participation.
The AU has also established treaties such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights, the Protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the African Youth Charter, which protect the rights of specific groups such as women and youth, and ensure the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons in Africa.
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AU and economic development
The African Union (AU) is committed to promoting Africa's growth and economic development through Agenda 2063, a strategic framework for achieving inclusive and sustainable development. Agenda 2063 aims to transform Africa into a global powerhouse by addressing trade barriers, increasing intra-African trade, and creating a larger market for African goods and services. The AU also promotes citizen inclusion and cooperation among African states, as outlined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, which was signed in 2000 and ratified by all 55 signatory states.
One of the key objectives of the AU is to accelerate economic integration and private sector development. The AU has implemented flagship projects, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to induce investments and enhance structural transformation. The AU also promotes the use of African data and statistics for development and has established initiatives like the African Institute for Remittances (AIR) to reduce remittance transfer costs and improve data capacity.
The AU's Division of Economic Policy and Research plays a crucial role in promoting policies and programs that support economic, sustainable, and inclusive development. The division undertakes macroeconomic analyses and assists African Member States in formulating appropriate policies. Continental frameworks like Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT) and the Action Plan for the Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA) aim to increase trade volume and enhance Africa's industrial performance.
Additionally, the AU promotes cooperation and integration among African states to achieve greater unity and solidarity. Agenda 2063 recognizes the importance of trade in developing economies and seeks to add value to Africa's commodities, ensuring that the continent is not solely dependent on the export of raw materials. The AU also works with international partners to address health issues, such as the eradication of preventable diseases, contributing to the overall economic development of the continent.
Overall, the AU is committed to economic development in Africa by championing citizen inclusion, cooperation, and the implementation of strategic initiatives. Through Agenda 2063 and its various programs, the AU strives to create a prosperous and sustainable future for the continent.
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AU and international cooperation
The Constitutive Act of the African Union, signed on July 11, 2000, in Lomé, Togo, outlines the framework under which the African Union (AU) functions. The act came into force after two-thirds of the 53 signatory states ratified it on May 26, 2001. All 55 signatory states have now ratified the document, with South Sudan and Morocco being the latest to do so.
The AU's engagement with international partners is guided by the Constitutive Act's objectives of promoting cooperation and advancing the development of the African continent. Here are some key aspects of AU's international cooperation:
Promoting Research and Development: The AU seeks to promote research and development in all fields, with a particular focus on science and technology. This is done in collaboration with international partners to advance the continent's scientific and technological capabilities.
Health and Disease Eradication: The AU works closely with relevant international organizations and partners to address health issues. This includes efforts to eradicate preventable diseases and promote good health across the continent.
Economic Integration and Development: The AU aims to foster economic integration and development through increased cooperation and citizen inclusion. Agenda 2063, a strategic framework, outlines Africa's goal for inclusive and sustainable development, with a focus on transforming the continent into a global powerhouse. The AU also engages with international organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO) and partners with other countries, as evidenced by the AU Chairperson's meetings with ambassadors and ministers from various nations.
Human Rights and Justice: The AU actively promotes human rights and justice for Africans and people of African descent. This includes seeking reparations and addressing historical injustices, as indicated by the "Year of Reparations" in 2025.
Regional Economic Communities: The AU coordinates and harmonizes policies between existing and future Regional Economic Communities to ensure gradual progress toward its objectives. This includes promoting cooperation and integration among African states to achieve economic growth.
The AU's international cooperation efforts are guided by the Constitutive Act's vision of a united, cohesive, and prosperous Africa, defending the sovereignty and interests of its member states while actively engaging with the global community to address shared challenges and promote Africa's development agenda.
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Frequently asked questions
The Constitutive Act of the African Union sets out the framework for the African Union to conduct itself. It was signed on July 11, 2000, in Lomé, Togo, and entered into force on May 26, 2001, after two-thirds of the 53 signatory states ratified the convention.
The objectives of the African Union as laid out in the Act include:
- Achieving greater unity, cohesion, and solidarity between African countries and nations.
- Defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states.
- Accelerating the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
- Promoting and defending African common positions on issues of interest to the continent and its peoples.
- Promoting cooperation in all fields of human activity to raise the living standards of African peoples.
The citation format may depend on the style guide you are using (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.). Here is an example of how to cite the Constitutive Act of the African Union in APA style:
African Union. (2000, July 11). *Constitutive Act of the African Union*. Retrieved from [URL]
