Key African Union leaders gathered for a significant summit on continental unity.
The African Union is often seen as distant from ordinary citizens, but its decisions shape daily life in ways that are easy to overlook. Since its founding in 2002, the continental body has helped African countries coordinate positions on global issues such as climate change, giving them greater influence in international negotiations. It has also strengthened governance through institutions such as the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which enable citizens and civil society groups to hold governments accountable. Meanwhile, public health initiatives led by the AU’s Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention have improved disease preparedness and response across the continent. The AU isn’t perfect. Still, it is consequential, particularly in helping Africa to coordinate policies and speak with a unified voice in global affairs. Without it, countries across the continent will have weaker influence and slower responses to shared challenges.
The Conversation