Is AU willing to become the institution Africa needs
From an online post, a commentator asked an intriguing question: “If the African Union (AU) cannot create a single currency, a unified military, or a common passport, then what exactly is this union about?”
The comment section went wild, with some commentators saying that the AU no longer serves the interests of the African people, but rather the interests of the West and individual nations with greedy interests in Africa’s resources. Some even jokingly suggested it be renamed “Western Union”.
But seriously, how has a country like France managed to maintain economic leverage over 14 African states through its CFA Franc system, yet the continent is unable to create its own single currency regime? Why does the continent seem comfortable with global powers establishing military bases throughout its territories, yet appear uninterested in establishing its own unified military? Why does the idea of open borders unnerve our leaders, leading them to hide behind claims of sovereignty?
These questions interrogate the AU’s relevance in the evolving geopolitical landscape. No doubt, the AU remains relevant as it continues to speak on behalf of Africa on global platforms, serving as a symbol of the continent’s unity. However, the unease surrounding it is justified because symbolism is no longer enough.
In a continent grappling with persistent conflict, economic fragmentation, and democratic reversals, institutions are judged not by their presence but by their impact.
From online chats and several other discussion groups on social media, most Africans are unhappy with the African Union’s performance so far. To many, the organisation is out of touch with reality, prompting calls for an immediate reset.
To them, the AU is a club of cabals whose main achievements have been safeguarding fellow felons.
One commentator said, “The AU’s main job is to congratulate dictators who kill their citizens to retain power through rigged elections.” Another said, “The AU is a bunch of atrophied rulers dancing on the graves of their citizens, looting resources from their people to stash in foreign countries.”
These views may sound harsh, but they are a good measure of how people perceive the organisation across the continent.
Blurring Vision
The African Union, established in July 2002 to succeed the OAU, was born out of an ambitious vision: uniting the continent toward self-reliance by driving economic integration, enhancing peace and security, promoting good governance, and representing the continent on the global stage following the end of colonialism.
Over time, however, the gap between this vision and the reality on the ground has widened. The AU appears helpless to address the growing conflicts across the continent—from unrelenting coups, shambolic elections, and external aggressions.
This chronic weakness has slowly eroded public confidence in the organisation. As such, the AU is increasingly seen as a forum for speeches rather than solutions, as one commentator puts it, “The AU has turned into a farcical talk shop that can neither bark nor bite.”
Call for a New Body
The general feeling on the ground is that the AU is stagnant and has little to show for its 60+ years of existence (dating back to the OAU). It is also viewed as toothless and subservient to the whims of its ‘masters’. Some commentators have even called for its dissolution and the formation of a new body that would serve the interests of the continent and its people.
This sounds like a vote of no-confidence. To regain favour and remain a force for continental good, the AU must undertake critical reforms, enhance accountability, and demonstrate political courage as a matter of urgency. Without these, it may endure in form while fading in substance.
The question is not whether Africa needs the AU, but whether the AU is willing and ready to become the institution Africa needs—one that is bold enough to initiate a daring move towards a common market, a single currency, a unified military, and a common passport regime. It is possible!
Author: Mr Omuodo is a Pan-African Public Relations and Communications expert based in Nairobi, Kenya. He can be reached at mike.omuodo@mediafast.co.ke
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