The minimum you must know
The African Union is similar to the United Nations for African states for diplomacy, however without the same formal legal authority. All of the countries in the continent joined, many are active, and only a very few have been suspended. Most of the African heads of state annually participate. There is also a Pan African Parliament for handling consultative and occasional oversight matters in between African Union sessions.
There is no standing African Union army. However, there is a perfectly named Peace and Security Council.
The African Union provides an important platform for coordination and cooperation, and has established protocols that have been adhered to since 1963, including under a predecessor Organization for African Unity prior to 2001. According to the Union's website, their goal is to promote peace throughout the continent, and "unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation." They also emphasize human rights, economic development and civil and minority rights.
The African Union has been a permanent member of the G20 since 2023, and is represented by a different country each year.
The African Union is sometimes very influential within Africa for mediating disputes and preventing unconstitutional changes of government.
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The United States cares deeply about peace between people. And a vast number of Americans care deeply about peace towards animals. Around seventy percent of American homes have shared their home with an animal. Perhaps the same thing is true in some places in Africa, where people are also very ethical and compassionate. It occurs to this writer that there might be an African country with safari land willing to accept some of the stray cats and dogs that haven’t found homes in the United States. They could be released in wilderness areas or find homes with people. That would be an astonishingly good development for peace-loving animals.
The United States might be grateful. The President and governors of dozens of states can be aware of help generously given. Probably an American non-profit organization would be willing to cover transportation costs. So there would be no expense for a compassionate recipient country. All that would be necessary is a place with land where they can roam free, and an astonishingly good group of people to agree.
Deeply respected Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, after winning election at the 38th AU Summit on February 15, 2025, in Addis Ababa (Djibouti defeated Kenya). He assumed office on March 13, 2025. He will serve a four-year term (2025–2029).
