African Union

Dark green: AU member states.
Light green: Suspended members.

The African Union (AU) is an supranational organization consisting of fifty-five African member countries. Founded in Durban on 9 July 2002, the AU was formed as a replacement to the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the African Economic Community (AEC).

The current Chairperson of the African Union is President of Angola João Lourenço since 2025.

Mission

The AU, in the future, aims to have a Single Currency and a Single integrated Defense force, as well as other Institutions of State, including a cabinet for the AU Head of State. The purpose of the organization is to help secure the continent's Democracy, Human rights, and a Sustainable Economy, especially by bringing an end to conflict between African Nations and creating an effective Common Market.

Example of relations with a country: FOCAC (or Forum on China–Africa Cooperation).

Members

Observers

African Union Media

African leaders who founded the OAU the predecessor of the African Union, Emperor Haile Selassie I (center), President Kenyatta (right) and other African leaders including President Obote (behind, left side)
Muammar Gaddafi embracing Tanzanian President Kikwete after assuming the chairmanship
Billboard in Niamey (Niger) announcing the 33rd AU Summit (2019)
Group photo at the 2024 Italy–Africa Summit in Rome
Inaugural India–Africa Forum Summit held in New Delhi, 2008
AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki, US President Joe Biden and African leaders at the United States–Africa Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C., 15 December 2022
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (formerly GSPC) area of operations
South Sudanese independence referendum, 2011
Kenyan soldiers and fighters of the Ras Kamboni Brigades, a Somali government-allied militia, near Kismayo, Somalia, 2012