The minimum you must know
The African Union is similar to the United Nations for African states. All of the countries in the continent joined. There are a handful of inactive members. But most of the heads of state annually participate. There is also a Pan African Parliament for handling smaller bureaucratic matters in between African Union sessions.
The African Union provides an important platform for coordination and cooperation, and has established protocols that have been adhered to since 1963. According to the Union's website, their goal is to promote peace throughout the continent, and "unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation." They also emphasize economic development and civil and minority rights.
The African Union is a permanent member of the G20, and represented by a different country each year.
The African Union is sometimes very influential within Africa for mediating disputes and legitimizing changes of governments.
