The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the fifty-five 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent. It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963-1999).
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History
In May 1963, thirty-two 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).
The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision.
For an Africa that was united, free, and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnized in the OAU Charter in which the founding fathers recognized that freedom, equality, justice, and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples.
And that there was a need to promote understanding among Africa’s people and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity that transcends ethnic and national Differences.
The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism, which centered on African socialism and the promotion of African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage.
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The Launch of The AU
The African Union (AU) was officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, following a decision made in September 1999 by its predecessor, the OAU to create a new continental organization to build its work.
The decision to re-launch Africa’s pan-African organization was the outcome of a consensus by African leaders that in order to realize Africa’s potential, there was a need to refocus attention from the fight for decolonization and ridding the continent of apartheid.
This had actually been the focus of the OAU, towards increased cooperation and integration of African states to drive Africa’s growth and economic development.
The AU is guided by its vision of “An Integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, which is driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena”.
The Constitutive Act of the AU and the Protocol on Amendments to the Constitutive Act of the African Union lay out the aims of the AU which are:
- To achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and their people.
- Defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its Member States.
- Speed up 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 encourage international cooperation.
- Promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
- Foster democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, and good governance.
Departments In The AU
The following departments are open to qualified persons to apply for membership;
- Legal Affairs.
- Women, Gender, and Youth department.
- Civil Society, and Diaspora.
- Political affairs, Peace, and Security.
- Infrastructure and Energy.
- Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation.
- Economic Development, Trade, Industry, and Mining.
- Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment.
Opportunities
- Bids/Procurement.
- Internships.
- African Union Youth Volunteer Corps
Careers
African Union offers you the opportunity to pursue a career in a rewarding and challenging work environment with great learning and development opportunities. In addition to the prospects of building a career within your field of expertise.
Featured jobs include;
- Account Assistant.
- Data entry Assistant.
- Interpreter and Translator.
- Senior Legal Officer.
- Finance and Administrations officer.
- Bilingual Secretary.
- Head, Human Resource Management.
AU website; http://www.au.int.com
African Union Headquarters
P.O. Box 3243, Roosevelt Street W21K19
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 77 00
Fax: +251 11 551 78 44