State of the Union: Innovations and Illusions in the March towards African Integration

The birth of the African Union (AU) in July 2002 was welcome as a milestone in the continent’s drive towards regional integration. Emerging from the ashes of the moribund Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the AU was envisioned with structural, institutional and policy innovations that was supposed to put the continent’s political and economic integration back on the rails. Structures such as the Peace and Security Council (PSC) with its Panel of the Wise; African Standby Force and Peace Support Operations was supposed to strengthen the institution’s capacity in conflict prevention, management and resolution in a continent often plagued by political instability. The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was envisioned as a legislative body that will articulate the voice of ordinary Africans at the continental stage. Fifteen years after its creation, the question is how far has the African Union gone with its engagements? This research work delves into a critical assessment of the creation and functioning of the structures of the African Union and the institution’s pursuit of its agenda. The research question guiding this study is how far has the AU delivered on the structural and policy reforms that necessitated its emergence?