African Union holds summit: is it ignoring the real issues?

Regulation: African Union Annual Summit Overview

The African Union (AU) is conducting its annual summit in Ethiopia amidst ongoing challenges, including instances of genocide, insurgencies, and political instability across the continent. Established in 2002, the AU consists of 55 member states, which often hold conflicting positions in these matters.

Efforts to grant the AU enforcement powers have been consistently obstructed by member states, resulting in insufficient funding and resources. The AU has yet to achieve its self-funding targets set for 2020 and 2025 and continues to rely on external support for 64 percent of its budget, primarily from the United States and European Union, both of which are reducing their contributions.

Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf has expressed "deep concern" regarding the continent's persistent conflicts, such as those in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as insurgencies in the Sahel region. However, the AU's capacity to intervene remains limited. According to a report by the International Crisis Group (ICG), the AU is perceived to be at its weakest since its establishment.

Since 2020, Africa has experienced ten military coups. The AU has been compelled to overlook its charter rule, which prohibits coup leaders from participating in elections. Gabon and Guinea, both suspended following coups, were reinstated last year despite breaching this rule. Additionally, the AU has not expressed significant concern over elections characterized by manipulation and violence.

The AU's endorsement of electoral processes in Tanzania and Burundi, despite reports of irregularities, highlights ongoing challenges in upholding democratic standards. Observers note a decline in concern among African leaders regarding international perceptions, with a greater focus on domestic issues and reluctance to allow AU intervention.

The AU emphasizes its broader mandate, which includes work in health, development, and trade. According to spokesman Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, the AU's peace efforts are often unnoticed because they prevent conflicts from escalating. The organisation has played a role in mitigating tensions, such as those between Sudan and South Sudan over Abyei.

Despite these efforts, there is minimal interest among African states in empowering the AU, with authority remaining with the AU Assembly, comprising individual heads of state. As of this weekend, the rotating presidency of the AU Assembly transitions to President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, following his party's recent electoral success. The primary focus of the summit will be on water sanitation, though discussions on coups, conflicts, and human rights issues are anticipated.

Based on reporting by Africanews.