Professional Documents
Culture Documents
● Historical Background
● Timeline of Event
● Country Stances
● Bibliography
● Case studies
● Bibliography
Introduction to the AU
The AU is made up of 55 Member States which represent all the countries on the African
continent. The continental union covers and deals with social, political and economic issues
within the African Continent, the following are the goals that AU seeks to achieve throughout
the proceedings.
● Peace and Security: The African Union works to advance security, stability, and peace
throughout the continent. It supports efforts to resolve disputes between member states,
● Political Coordination: The African Union works to advance the rule of law, respect for
democratic institutions and procedures as well as political stability and good governance.
● Regional Integration: The African Union aspires to unite, flourish, and politically
integrate Africa by integrating the African economy. It backs programmes like the
ideas. In addition to promoting unity among African states and peoples, it aims to
and global institutions, governments, and organisations. It aims to increase Africa's global
shared interest.
Topic A: Helping the UN chart a way out of Libya’s political deadlock
Introduction:
Libya is a country in northern Africa that borders the Mediterranean Sea.
Since gaining its freedom from Italian colonial domination, Libya has experienced a volatile
history marked by political squabbles, civil wars, and humanitarian crises. Although violence
had been intermittent since the 2011 uprising against Gaddafi, which took place three years
earlier, the Libyan civil war officially began in February of that year. When Gaddafi was
assassinated in 2011, his 40-year dictatorship over Libya came to an abrupt end.
The main actors involved in the Libyan political deadlock are the internationally recognized
Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and the Libyan National Army (LNA)
led by General Khalifa Haftar, based in eastern Libya. Both sides have the support of various
militias, tribes, and foreign backers, further complicating the situation. The Libyan political
deadlock is characterised by territorial divisions, with the GNA controlling the western part of
the country, including Tripoli, while the LNA controls the east, including Benghazi. The rival
factions have engaged in sporadic armed clashes and territorial disputes, exacerbating the
political crisis.
To end the political impasse and bring about a long-lasting peace in Libya, efforts are still being
made. To promote communication and peace, diplomatic initiatives like the Berlin Conference
and regional mediation are still being attempted. A profoundly fractured and unstable nation like
Negotiations, compromise, and the involvement of impartial third parties are required to break
2. UN Charter:
UN Chart is a strategic planning method used by The United Nations to lay out a plan or
framework for tackling a particular problem. It entails assessing the problem, creating a strategy,
and coordinating actions with other member states and stakeholders. In order to successfully
address complex global concerns, the UN's activities and interventions are guided by the UN
Chart.
3. Proxy wars:
Proxy wars are battles in which rival states or groups wage war on one another without actually
fighting one another by supporting and funding them. These wars frequently arise when big
countries want to expand their influence or advance their interests in a region without taking a
chance on a direct clash. When resources, weaponry, and military assistance are provided to local
factions, it results in proxy wars, which serve as a stage for the indirect struggle of opposing
the country’s oil. It is based in Tripoli. There have been attempts by Haftar to break its
monopoly. Many international companies work with the NOC. The largest foreign oil producer
in Libya is Italy, but France is also expanding its operations there. Russia may also begin to work
with NOC.
by the UN Security Council in its Resolution 2009 (September 2011) at the request of the Libyan
authorities following six months of armed conflict to support the country's new transitional
authorities in their post-conflict efforts. The mandate of the Mission has been extended until the
6. PEACEKEEPING OPERATION:
The Security Council's major duty is to uphold international peace and security, according to the
passing a resolution that expressly states its mandate, size, tasks, and other specifics
History and Background:
The modern Libyan state began to take shape within the Ottoman Empire from the mid-16th
century onward. Libya’s path to independent statehood was violently interrupted in 1911 with the
onset of an Italian conquest. Rome’s efforts to annex Libya through settler colonialism and ethnic
cleansing were in turn disrupted by World War II. The United Nations (UN) helped to guide
Libya to independence under the Sanusi monarchy in 1951, albeit in close collaboration with the
United Kingdom and the United States. The Sanusi monarchy, founded in the eastern region of
Cyrenaica in the late 19th century, faced substantial difficulties in its efforts to transform an
incredibly vast, thinly populated, socially diverse, and seemingly resource-poor country into a
modern nation state. Though the extraction and exportation of oil from the 1960s onward helped
to alleviate some of the financial constraints on the government, the increasing centralization of
power within the monarchy eventually led to a military coup in 1969. Libya’s new regime, under
the leadership of Muammar Al-Gaddafi, would eventually pursue a radical program involving
centralised economic planning funded through oil sales, a baroque system of popular
Chad, and confrontations with North Atlantic powers directly and indirectly. Though the Gaddafi
regime was able to survive an array of domestic and international challenges for over four
decades, a mass armed uprising in 2011, which precipitated a merciless civil war and foreign
military intervention, led to its downfall. Subsequent international assistance and successive
transitional authorities, however, were unable to address the spiral of insecurity that consumed
Libya from 2012 onwards. A second civil war erupted in 2014, one fed not only by competing
domestic visions for the future of Libya, but also by the competing ambitions of other states in
the region.
Current situation:
Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), which recently advanced on
Tripoli, has exposed Libya to the possibility of a protracted proxy conflict on the southern
frontier of Europe. With the march deep into the city's southern suburbs, the European Union and
its member countries now have a substantial stake in preventing the situation from spiralling into
a national conflict. The state will become even more unstable as a result of this escalation, and
organisations that violate the basic rights of local populations will have a safe haven.
Therefore, it is crucial that the authorities comprehend the global dynamics underlying the rising
violence in Libya. Foreign involvement in the nation will keep fueling the strife if they are not
stopped. Foreign nations' involvement in Libya's civil conflict has long been a threat but also a
very important one. The nation's factionalization and post-revolutionary battles have frequently
governments. In order to create regional hegemony amid the Arab uprisings, a number of Gulf
Arab powers, most notably Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, have funded
The international community also comments on decisions made by some countries, like the
Russian Federation or the United States of America, in the conflict. Their indirect military
intervention if the war is something that is really discussed in various committees of human and
civil rights, international unions, and international courts. In addition, the direct intervention of
other countries is also questioned and debated by the United Nations and other international or
supranational organisations.
Even if the formal violence has ceased, for now, a formal armistice will only put an
end to this conflict in peace, the attacks can start again or continue in the debate, but
the only thing for sure is that Libya is in the eyes of all nations, as this conflict is
practically a direct cause of the course of action taken by the international community
and a nine-member presidency council drawn from constituencies and factions throughout the
country. Although the GNA received recognition from the UN Security Council as the legitimate
government of Libya, it struggled to consolidate its authority in both the eastern and western
halves of the country. In the east the House of Representatives, aligned with Haftar’s forces,
refused to endorse the GNA’s proposed ministerial appointments. In the west the NSG stepped
down to make way for the GNA, though the GNA met some resistance from NSG-associated
factions in late 2016. In September 2017 the UN Support Mission in Libya announced an effort
to amend the LPA, with the goal of creating a workable arrangement for sharing power between
the opposing factions. By the end of the year, though, prospects for an agreement looked dim,
while Haftar dismissed the legitimacy of the GNA, whose LPA mandate expired in December.
Nevertheless, efforts toward unity continued, and in May 2018 the factions endorsed a plan to
hold elections in the upcoming winter. The plans were disrupted, however, after a summer of
tumultuous events and a failure to meet a September deadline to establish the framework for
elections.
2- Libyan National Army (LNA) :Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar is the commander of the Libyan
National Army (LNA), a military organisation. The LNA was opposed to the internationally
recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli and was principally allied with the
Libyan House of Representatives, which was situated in the eastern city of Tobruk. In the Second
Libyan Civil War, which broke out in 2014, the LNA fought to seize control of the whole nation.
There were several factions, militias, and international actors participating in the complicated
battle in Libya. While the GNA got endorsement from the United governments and numerous
other countries, the LNA gained support from a number of governments, notably Egypt, the
3- Misrata Militias: The militias of Misrata are renowned for their might and skill in battle. They
were essential in assisting the capital city of Tripoli's globally acclaimed Government of National
Accord (GNA). Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA) was at odds with
the GNA, which was commanded by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. The Misrata militias were
made up of a variety of armed organisations with varying political and ideological perspectives.
They were one of the main players in the fight, and their presence had a big influence on how the
4- Tribal Militias: Tribal militias, along with other armed factions and militias, became one of
the main protagonists in the fight during the Second Libyan Civil War, which began in 2014.
These tribal militias frequently sided with various political or geographical groupings, creating a
complicated and dispersed security environment throughout the nation.Tribal militias in Libya
have a history of establishing authority over certain areas, defending the interests of their people,
and occasionally engaging in combat with other tribes or armed opposition. They have
occasionally joined forces with more powerful political or military organisations, such the
Islamic State with the perfect opportunity to establish a foothold in Libya in 2014 and 2015. The
organisation seized Sirte and proclaimed it the capital of their new Libyan "wilaya" (province).
The Islamic State in Libya drew foreign militants and carried out high-profile strikes during its
height, posing a significant security danger to the area and beyond. However, efforts to reclaim
Sirte from the Islamic State were conducted in late 2016 by a coalition of Libyan troops
supported by foreign assistance and airstrikes, notably those of the United States. By December
2016, the Libyan troops had been able to successfully eject the last of the group's survivors from
Sirte.
6- Foreign Actors: Different factions have received backing from outside forces, which has been
a crucial factor in the fight. This includes nations with distinct agendas and interests, such as
Turkey, Egypt, Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar.
7- Fezzan Region: Fezzan is known for its vast desert landscapes, including parts of the Sahara
Desert, and is sparsely populated. The region's main urban centre is Sabha, which is also the
largest city in southern Libya.Due to its strategic location and natural resources, the Fezzan
Region has been a significant area of interest and contention throughout Libya's history. It has
played a crucial role in trade and trans-Saharan routes, connecting Libya to other African
countries to the south. Like other parts of Libya, Fezzan has also experienced its share of
instability and conflict, particularly during the Second Libyan Civil War that began in 2014.
Various armed groups, including tribal militias and factions, have vied for control over the
8- Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) : The PFG was formed in 2013 during the
post-revolutionary period in Libya. It operates under the Ministry of Defense of the Government
of National Accord (GNA), which is based in Tripoli and has been internationally recognized.
However, like many other institutions in Libya, the PFG has experienced challenges related to its
cohesion and loyalty to central authorities. Different factions and militias within the PFG have
sometimes been influenced by regional and tribal allegiances, leading to internal divisions and
competition for control over lucrative oil facilities. As a result, some parts of the PFG have been
accused of engaging in conflicts or blockades to advance their interests. There have been
instances of clashes between rival factions vying for control over oil installations, leading to
disruptions in oil production and exports. These incidents have had significant economic
implications for Libya, as oil exports are a vital source of revenue for the country.
9- Migration and Smuggling Networks: Smuggling networks operate along the coast of Libya,
which acts as a significant transit country for migrants and refugees trying to reach Europe. This
Past AU actions:
The African Union has actively addressed the ongoing issue in Libya through a series of
resolutions. This show the commitment of the AU regarding the matter and are as follows:
a) Resolution 794:
Resolution 794 reaffirms the AU's support for Resolution 1973 of the UN Security
Council, which imposed sanctions and created a no-fly zone over Libya. It highlights
how crucial it is to protect African migrants and advocates for coordinated action to stop
their exploitation.
b) Resolution 787:
immediate ending of hostilities. Stresses upon a political solution for the issue, dialogue
c) Decision 456:
This decision raises concern over the deteriorating situation in Libya in regards to
security. Acknowledges and supports the endeavours of the UN Support Mission in Libya
Past UN actions:
a. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1973 (S/RES/1973)
The United Nations Security Council Resolution, on the situation in Libya, adopted a measure in
March 2011 in order to stop the First Libyan Civil War. This resolution was proposed by France,
Lebanon and the UK. So, by this resolution, legal bases were formed for military intervention to
be attempted. It called for an immediate ceasefire. Some of the-key points are the establishment
of a no-fly zone over Libya, the arms embargo, assets freeze on Libyan authorities and the
This is the most recent resolution passed on Libya. It allows member states
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9
%7D/s_res_2491.pdf
allowed for the UNSMIL mission to continue until 15 September, 2020. You can find the
resolution:
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9
%7D/s_res_2486.pdf
d. Report on UNSMIL (R/2020/41) The latest report on UNSMIL You can find the
report:
https://www.securitycouncilreport.org/atf/cf/%7B65BFCF9B-6D27-4E9C8CD3-CF6E4FF96FF9
%7D/s_2020_41.pdf
e. Adopting resolution 2647( S/RES/2647) the Council reiterated its decision that
Council also called on the relevant Libyan institutions and authorities to implement
parliamentary elections. Further, the Council called on the parties to refrain from any actions that
could undermine the political process or the 23 October 2020 ceasefire and, emphasising that
there can be no military solution in Libya, demanded full compliance by all Member States with
f. The PSC of the African Union, in September 2019, discussed the need for this
Council to get more involved in concluding the Libyan crisis. In their 857th
in order to ameliorate the situation. For example, they suggested that Libyan
line with the International Humanitarian Law and Human Right Law. They also
g. The Libyan National Conference was scheduled for April 14-16, 2019, with the
goal of organising elections as part of the peace process in Libya. The conference had been
planned for nearly a year and a half, however it was postponed in early April 2019 due to
military actions. This conference had no executive power and merely aimed to provide
issued an official statement in which he stated that he is "more determined than ever to hold the
National Conference at the earliest possible opportunity, as we cannot allow the historic
The battle for legitimacy and good administration in Libya is one of the country's main political
problems. A power vacuum resulted from Gaddafi's removal, and many factions fought to take
control of the nation. Due to this, the House of Representatives (HoR) in Tobruk and the
organisations. In contrast to the HoR, which enjoyed the support of the Libyan National Army
(LNA) under Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the GNA received international recognition from the
UN.
Due to the split between the GNA and HoR, Libya's political landscape became fragmented, with
each group claiming to be the country's legitimate government. The creation of a cohesive,
inclusive administration that serves the interests of all Libyans has been hampered as a result.
Political impasse has made the problem worse by blocking progress in the peace process. The
absence of agreement and collaboration between the two parties has also made matters worse.
The existence of armed organisations and militias with various political and ideological
allegiances has had a big impact on Libya's political climate. These factions have frequently
sought out their own interests, which has resulted in bloodshed and unrest. Some have aimed to
take control of important resources, such oil facilities, which has caused economic disruptions
The influence of outside parties on the Libyan situation has also been crucial. The conflict and
crisis in Libya have been made worse and longer by the help of many regional and international
forces. The proliferation of weapons and foreign fighters as a result of external operations has
In addition, there are intricate regional factors at play in the Libyan crisis, and both domestic and
foreign players are invested in how things turn out. Libya has become a transit nation for those
trying to go to Europe as a result of the influx of refugees and migrants through the country,
raising worries about human trafficking and smuggling networks. Furthermore, Libya's abundant
energy supplies have made it a focus for international energy security, with outside nations vying
for control of and access to the nation's oil resources. Due to the fact that several parties are
pursuing conflicting objectives, frequently at the expense of Libya's security and sovereignty,
this foreign participation has made the situation even more difficult.
Key Issues:
a. Foreign Involvement:
Before the war ever started, foreign governments were arming and training anti-Gaddafi
organisations. Through this interference, proxy conflicts developed, and they have since
erupted into open combat. This foreign assistance to proxies has only made the bloodshed
of the war worse. Each of the two main governments vying for control in Libya is
with Haftar's Libyan National Army, is supported by Egypt, the United Arab Emirates,
Saudi Arabia, France, and Russia. The Government of National Accord is supported by
the UN, Italy, Qatar, Turkey, and officially the EU. The objectives of several of the
interested foreign countries are very dissimilar from those of typical Libyans. As was
conflict in which foreign forces just contribute resources. Even though there has been an
international arms embargo since 2011, this still takes place. This is crucial because the
war will never stop as long as both sides receive constant international aid.
b. Libya’s Economy
Oil is the foundation of the Libyan economy and Libya possesses the greatest oil reserves
in all of Africa. The largest source of income for the nation, oil, has seen a more than
90% decline. Control of the oil resources has been a point of contention and conflict
between the warring parties. Due to security concerns, this has led to production
restrictions at the state oil company NOC. Previously, NOC had to shut down Libya's
biggest oil field and quickly remove all fuel. tankers from ports when extremist action in
the area threatened to cause destruction. Due to this, daily oil production has decreased
from 1.6 million to a mere 300,000 barrels. Concerns have been raised regarding Libya's
ability to support itself economically since armed groups continue to struggle over oil,
c. Migrant Crisis
An important starting point for people migrating from the Middle East and northern
Africa to Europe is Libya. Many of these immigrants are being transported illegally
through Libya before being loaded onto crowded, hazardous vessels and sent towards
Europe, mainly Italy. Numerous people have drowned while trying to accomplish this
nation since it lacks a strong government. For the EU to effectively manage immigration
d. Humanitarian Crisis
The UN Refugee Agency calculates that more than 217,000 individuals have been
internally displaced as a result of the ongoing war in Libya. Due to severe violence and
damage, these people were forced to leave their homes against their will and search for
new places to start their lives. People who are in need of basic essentials like food, water,
The quality of Libya's health services, including access to hospitals and medical care, is
declining. As of 2019, "an estimated 17.5% of hospitals, 20% of primary health care
facilities, and 18% of specialised hospitals are partially damaged or completely destroyed
This continuous violence is thought to have put 500,000 children in danger. Violence
against children is on the rise. Children have also suffered from psychosocial discomfort
or trauma as a result of wartime violence. This may result in future impairments in their
life. Education quality and access have suffered as a result of the conflict. Children are
unable to attend school since many schools are being used to accommodate displaced
people.
Water and sanitation service quality has deteriorated. Because of the destruction and
fighting, sanitary services have been suspended in some areas, and the availability of safe
drinking water has decreased. This could lead to an upsurge in waterborne infections.
Electricity outages have also grown common in Libya.Recently, Libya has faced
Libya, estimated at 783.2 billion Libyan dinars. The conflict has had an impact on many
elements of the country's economic life. It has had a negative impact on the economy's
macroeconomic elements, with a major decline in growth and high volatility. Moreover, there has
been a sharp fall in government revenues, expenditure and investment. The conflict also affected
productive sectors that experienced a significant drop in their activities, including the
Libya has significant oil reserves and was a major oil producer in the past. The fighting,
however, interrupted oil production and export facilities, resulting in a considerable drop in
output. This has had a significant impact on government income and the wider economy, as oil
The prolonged turmoil has led the Libyan economy to decline. The country has seen its GDP fall,
inflation rise, and unemployment climb dramatically. Manufacturing, construction, and trade
have all been badly impacted, further compounding the economic depression.
During the fighting, infrastructure such as transportation networks, power plants, and
communication systems have been damaged or destroyed. This stifles economic activity and
reconstruction efforts, making it difficult for enterprises to operate efficiently and preventing the
Libya's breakdown in government and security has aided the expansion of smuggling networks,
particularly for products, weapons, and people trafficking. These illegal operations exacerbate
The Libyan conflict has had repercussions throughout the region. Libya's instability has
hampered regional trade and cross-border commercial activities. It has also aided in the
proliferation of weapons and the expansion of extremist groups, providing security threats that
Libyans and non-Libyans adopted one or more negative food-based coping mechanisms to
maintain some level of food security. Relying on less preferred and less expensive foods,
reducing the number of meals eaten in a day and limiting food portion size for all household
members at mealtimes were the primary coping mechanisms cited by both Libyans and
non-Libyans. The reduced coping strategies index was low for more than 85 percent of
interviewed households in the summer of 2021 but is likely to have worsened throughout 2022 to
date.
As a result of Libya’s heavy dependence on food imports, specifically from Ukraine and Russia,
food security in the country has been significantly impacted by the Russia-Ukraine crisis. Since
the start of the crisis, Libya has been facing wheat and cereals supply disruptions, shortages,
speculative behaviours by producers and traders along the supply chain, and higher prices.
The crisis has put a pressure on the delivery of public services such as healthcare, education, and
public infrastructure. Hospitals and medical institutions have been damaged or are lacking in
critical resources, resulting in limited access to quality healthcare. Many schools have shuttered
The Libyan conflict has been linked to human rights breaches and atrocities committed by
numerous factions and armed organisations. Arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, torture,
and extrajudicial killings are examples of these abuses. Civilians have been disproportionately
The crisis has exacerbated Libyan society's existing social imbalances. Economic disruptions,
rising unemployment, and inflation have resulted in a drop in living conditions for many
Country stances
Egypt:
Egypt, as a conspicuous part of the African Union (AU), holds a critical position on the current
circumstance in Libya. Given its topographical vicinity and authentic ties with Libya, Egypt has
been effectively included in endeavours to stabilise the nation and bring almost a tranquil
Egypt's essential concern with respect to Libya is the effect of insecurity on its national security.
Egypt has reliably pushed for a political arrangement that guarantees the solidarity and regional
keenness of Libya, pointing to anticipate the spread of radicalism and fear based oppression over
its borders. Egypt has communicated its back for the Libyan National Armed force (LNA) driven
by Common Khalifa Haftar, because it sees the LNA as a constraint competent of combating
Within the AU, Egypt has been an advocate for a serene determination and has effectively taken
an interest in different activities pointed at finding a political arrangement. Egypt has emphasised
the significance of the AU playing a central part in intervening between the clashing parties and
has called for an comprehensive exchange that includes all pertinent Libyan partners. Egypt has
upheld the AU's endeavours to facilitate with the Joined together Countries and other universal
Moreover, Egypt has looked to upgrade financial participation with Libya and has been included
in activities to modify the war-torn nation. Egypt accepts that financial improvement and
Nigeria:
Nigeria, being one of the biggest and most persuasive nations in Africa, has kept up a dynamic
position on the current circumstance in Libya inside the African Union (AU). Nigeria recognizes
the potential effect of the strife in Libya on territorial solidity, movement, and psychological
warfare, and has been committed to finding a tranquil determination to the crisis.
Nigeria's approach to the Libya circumstance has been centred around discretion, discourse, and
a strong belief in African-led arrangements. Nigeria has reliably backed the AU's endeavours to
intercede between the warring groups in Libya and has called for a comprehensive political
Nigeria has emphasised the requirement for a comprehensive and all encompassing approach to
address the root causes of the struggle in Libya. It has supported the advancement of great
administration, regard for human rights, and the run the show of law in Libya as significant
components in accomplishing enduring peace. Nigeria has too pushed the significance of tending
Inside the AU, Nigeria has effectively contributed to peacekeeping endeavours in Libya and has
upheld activities pointed at fortifying the capacity of the AU and territorial organisations in
struggle determination. Nigeria has moreover called for expanded worldwide participation and
South Africa:
South Africa, as a noticeable part of the African Union (AU), has been effectively locked in
talks and activities related to the current circumstance in Libya. South Africa has consistently
advocated for a tranquil determination to the strife in Libya and has emphasised the significance
South Africa's position on the Libya circumstance inside the AU is based on its commitment to
the standards of non-interference, exchange, and inclusivity. South Africa has called for an
African-led and African-owned prepare to resolve the struggle, with the AU playing a central
South Africa has communicated its bolster for a political arrangement in Libya, emphasising the
requirement for all parties to lock in in an comprehensive discourse that addresses the grievances
of different Libyan groups. It has too focused on the significance of national compromise, the run
the show of law, and the assurance of human rights as essential columns for maintainable peace
in Libya.
QARMA
What are the main causes of the political impasse in Libya and how have they changed over
time?
What results were achieved by earlier UN-led or other international initiatives that attempted to
What are the main difficulties and problems that the UN must take into account while developing
What possible roles may the nations that make up the area and those that border it play in helping
How can the UN use diplomatic, economic, and security measures to foster political stability and
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Log,
https://lobelog.com/understanding-egypts-role-in-libyas-civil-war/
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17 Mar. 2011,
www.undocs.org/S/RES/1973%20(2011).
TOPIC 2: Bolstering the AU’s Institutional Capacity:
Understanding the topic:
Bolstering the AU's institutional capacity refers to the process of boosting the African Union's
(AU) organisational capacities, resources, and efficiency. Developing the required human and
financial resources to support the AU's operations and goals entails taking proactive steps to
enhance the organisation's structures, methods, and procedures. By strengthening the AU's
institutional capacity, the organisation will be better able to carry out its mandate, put policies
into effect, and realise its objectives across a range of sectors, including peace and security,
governance, economic growth, and social affairs. It entails developing and bolstering the
essential elements that support the AU's operation, such as decision-making frameworks,
mechanisms for formulating and implementing policy, frameworks for partnerships and
technology.The AU can better coordinate, support, and lead projects and programmes that
address the challenges and possibilities facing the African continent by enhancing its institutional
capabilities. As a result, the AU is better equipped to address new problems, advance regional
integration, spur sustainable development, support peace and stability, and speak out for African
interests abroad.
This AUC capacity-building project is an African-owned process that emanates from the AU’s
reform agenda. The project will support the AU’s reform agenda, launched in 2017, by
strengthening the AUC’s governance systems and processes, growing the expertise of AUC
personnel, and increasing the institution’s policy planning and coordination capabilities,
especially within the Cabinets of the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson. The project will
better position the AUC to address the continent’s challenges by more effectively implementing
programs that stimulate sustainable growth and development and deliver on the vision of Agenda
2063. The objective of the project is to improve the AUC’s capacity to drive Agenda 2063 and its
flagship projects and programs. The project aims to build the AUC’s institutional capacity and
develop, upgrade, and reform systems vital to the AUC’s planning, coordination, and service
delivery.
AU’S Institutional Structure:
Assembly of The African Union:
The Assembly came into existence on 25 May 1963, as part of the ratification of Organization of
African Unity (OAU). Initially the Assembly consisted of 32 independent members, the heads of
state of the African states that had achieved independence by 1963. Until 2001, the governing
constitution of the Assembly was the OAU Charter. It considers membership requests into the
Union, creates bodies for the Union, monitors the implementation of policies and decisions of the
Union as well ensure compliance by all Member States and creates a budget of the Union
Executive Council:
The Executive Council of the African Union is made up of ministers designated by the
governments of member countries. They discuss issues of concern and prepare material for the
Assembly, to whom they are responsible. They make decisions on foreign trade, social security,
The African Union Commission (AUC) acts as the executive/administrative branch or secretariat
of the African Union (and is somewhat analogous to the European Commission). It consists of a
number of Commissioners dealing with different areas of policy. It Representing the AU and
defending its interests under the guidance of and as mandated by the Assembly and the
Executive Council
The Pan-African Parliament (PAP) was set up to ensure the full participation of African peoples
in the economic development and integration of the continent.The PAP is intended as a platform
for people from all African states to be involved in discussions and decision making on the
problems and challenges facing the continent. The Parliament sits in Midrand, South
Africa.Rather than being elected directly by the people, PAP members are designated by the
legislatures of their Member State and members of their domestic legislatures. The ultimate aim
is for the Parliament to be an institution with full legislative powers, whose members are elected
by universal suffrage. Until such time, the PAP has consultative, advisory and budgetary
organ of the African Union with authority to rule on disputes over interpretation of AU treaties.
The Court has, however, never come into existence because the African Union has decided that it
should be merged with the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights to form a new court: the
African Court of Justice and Human Rights (ACJHR). Underlying this decision was the concern
at the growing number of AU institutions, which the AU could not afford to support.A protocol
to set up the Court of Justice was adopted in 2003, and entered into force in 2009. It was,
however, superseded by a protocol creating the African Court of Justice and Human Rights.The
merger protocol was adopted during the 11th African Union Summit in July 2008. The united
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the
prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is a collective security and early warning
arrangement intended to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations
in Africa. It is also the key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which
is the framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.The Protocol Relating to
the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council was adopted on 9 July 2002 in Durban,
South Africa, and entered into force in December 2003. The PSC became fully operational in
early 2004. The PSC Protocol, together with the PSC Rules of Procedure, the AU Constitutive
Act and the conclusions of various PSC retreats, provide operational guidance to PSC activities.
The African Central Bank (ACB) is one of the original five financial institutions and specialized
agencies of the African Union. Over time, it will take over responsibilities of the African
Monetary Fund.
The African Union has faced political instability, poverty, corruption, internal disputes, and
extremist actors in its member states so the African Union (AU) is compelled to do more to
manage these often-recurring problems which requires financial resources. But the AU’s
financial resources have reduced since 2010, partly due to the internal political challenges in
Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Nigeria and South Africa. These five countries have been the major
financial contributors to the AU and their weakened capacity has resulted in an increased
dependence on external partners such as the European Commission, at a time when many
international partners but also African leaders wanted to increase African self-funding. The AU
receives 60% of its funding from external partners and the more this dependence has increased,
the more compromised the AU’s independence has become, and the less influence it has had on
how the funds received can be used. Due to an extreme lack of financial resources it has limited
the AU’s ability to effectively implement its programs of institutional capacity building
The AU has struggled to implement its rules and enforce its rulings throughout all of its member
nations. The successful implementation of AU decisions has occasionally been hampered by the
absence of efficient enforcement measures, notably in efforts to resolve conflicts and maintain
peace. The AU has struggled to implement its rules and enforce its rulings throughout all of its
conflicts and maintain peace. All of this results in the decisions of the AU regarding bolstering
Since the formation of the African Union (AU) in 2001, the level of African agency in peace and
security issues has increased significantly but the AU comprises of different bodies and
institutions such as the assembly, executive council, AUC etc. and ensuring efficacious
coordination and organization between all the bodies has remained a challenge in making
effective decisions. Inconsistencies in mandates have from time to time led to inefficiencies.
Findings reveal that although AU has achieved much in the realm of peace and security in
Africa, yet it lacks the needed human resources and institutional capacity to conduct effective
peace operations and peace-making initiatives. Numerous AU institutions have faced capacity
capabilities and information management all of which hinder the AU’s ability to carry out its
The AU has faced criticism for limited engagement and inclusion of civil society organizations
and citizens in its decision-making processes. Civil society organisations can be powerful agents
for change as partners in delivering better services for the poorest members of society, and as
enablers of social inclusion. They can also advocate for more effective, accountable and
transparent governments.
The delicate balance between national sovereignty and regional integration has been a challenge
for the AU. Divergent national interests among the participating states can occasionally obstruct
group decision-making and slow the advancement of regional integration initiatives. They need
to take into account the national interests of member states alongside the regional integration
goals striving for unity and solidarity which is crucial for its success for bolstering the
each tasked with handling specific thematic areas critical to the AU's agenda. These
divisions include Peace and Security, Political Affairs, Infrastructure and Energy, Social
Affairs, Trade and Industry, and more. The Peace and Security Division, for instance, is
reconstruction efforts across the continent. On the other hand, the Social Affairs Division
focuses on issues such as health, education, gender equality, and youth empowerment,
addition to the thematic divisions, the AU Commission also houses various specialized
offices and agencies that address cross-cutting issues. One such office is the African
Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACSRT), which focuses on countering
legislative body within the AU, is another crucial institution situated within the
discussions.
member countries, the African Union (AU) uses a wide range of decision-making
organisations. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government acts as the highest
decision-making body for the AU. The chief executives of the member nations gather at
this annual conference to discuss pressing issues affecting the continent. It offers a
singular forum for decision-makers to have open dialogues, share ideas, and together set
the route for Africa's future.Supporting the Assembly, the Executive Council constitutes
ministers or designated representatives from each member country, the Executive Council
meets regularly to address a wide range of political, economic, and social matters. The
committees and technical bodies, playing a pivotal role in shaping the AU's agenda.
that formulates policies and strategies across a wide range of fields, recognizing the
interconnected nature of issues facing the continent. One critical aspect of the AU's
agenda is social affairs, encompassing areas such as health, education, gender equality,
and youth empowerment. The AU has adopted various initiatives to improve healthcare
systems, enhance access to quality education, and promote gender equality, aiming to
uplift the well-being and livelihoods of African citizens. Additionally, the AU prioritises
4. Partnerships and Cooperation: The African Union (AU) recognizes that achieving its
and regional economic communities. Collaborating with external partners enhances the
AU's institutional capability and amplifies its efforts to address the complex challenges
facing the continent. The AU has developed strategic partnerships with various
of the significant partnerships is with the African Development Bank (AfDB), a key
player in financing development projects and initiatives across Africa. The AU and AfDB
and poverty reduction. The AfDB's financial support and technical expertise contribute to
the successful implementation of the AU's Agenda 2063 and other development
strategies.
5. Financial Resources: The institutional strength of the African Union (AU) is indeed
addressing a wide range of challenges, from peace and security to economic development
and social affairs, securing sufficient funding is crucial to effectively carry out its
operations, programs, and initiatives. One of the primary sources of funding for the AU is
contributions from its member states. Member states make financial contributions based
on a scale of assessments that takes into account their respective Gross National Income
(GNI). This scale ensures that wealthier member states contribute more significantly to
the AU's budget, reflecting their capacity to support the organisation. However, the
with some member states facing budgetary constraints and unable to meet their full
financial commitments.
6. Human Resources: The African Union's (AU) talented and varied labour force is a key
component of its institutional strength. For the AU to effectively carry out its everyday
operations and successfully carry out its ambitious programmes and initiatives, it is
essential to build and retain a skilled staff. Diplomats and experts in international
relations make up a significant portion of the AU's labour force. Diplomats participate in
effort to promote harmony and collaboration among African nations. They are essential in
settling disputes, promoting common interests, and furthering the goals of the AU on a
global scale.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanisms: The African Union (AU) understands how
crucial efficient monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems are to the proper execution of
its policies and programmes. A key component of the AU's strategy is M&E, which
enables it to monitor progress, spot problem areas, and enforce responsibility for
outcomes.The AU uses a variety of techniques and equipment to aid M&E. The creation
of performance indicators and objectives for each programme and project is one of the
results. The AU can evaluate the degree to which its programmes are producing the
laws and legal documents that underpin its institutional capabilities and guide its
operations. At the core of this framework is the AU Constitutive Act, which serves as the
organisation's primary legal instrument. Adopted in 2000 and in force since 2001, the
Constitutive Act outlines the AU's objectives, principles, and structures. It establishes the
development in Africa.The Constitutive Act lays the foundation for the AU's key organs,
including the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the Executive Council, the
resources which would reduce its reliance on external funding resources such as Development
partners ( UN, EU etc. ), Donor countries, private sectors and trust funds as currently the AU
receives more than 60% of its budget from external funders. This would have a positive outcome
as the AU itself would have more influence over where its fund are used. Developing innovative
financing mechanisms and exploring partnerships with regional and international institutions can
The AUC can facilitate the development of strategies that will improve human capacity on the
continent and engage Member States through dialogue emphasising the importance of investing
in health systems; education, vocational training, Science, Research and Innovation, as well as
Social security and protection of vulnerable groups. In particular, the Commission will ensure
that strategies to be implemented aim at improving skills _for competitiveness and ensuring that
training better matches the opportunities and requirements of the labour market. Development in
this sector would allow for the AU to prioritise capacity- building programs, training,
professional development, and knowledge exchange to enhance the expertise of the staff
officials. Collaborations with educational institutions, local training facilities, and other
Strengthening coordination and cooperation between the institutions of the AU is vital. Since the
AU was formed, inconsistencies in the mandates of various institutions have led to wastefulness
and has hindered the process of institutional capacity building. To eliminate these contradictions
and inconsistencies these elements can be enhanced: Streamlining decision making processes,
clear and well defined mandates and responsibilities of each individual institution, harmonising
policies and approaches, regular communication and information sharing, enhancing regional
integration efforts, encouraging peer learning and best practise sharing and strengthening
partnerships. The implementation of these within the organs of the AU will also lead to an
increase in effectiveness.
To set Africa firmly on the path towards economic and social transformation, private sector
engagement is crucial. The African Union, has throughout the years worked closely with the
private sector to define the great contribution and significant role the private sector plays in
driving the economic development Agenda of the continent. The private sector in Africa
accounts for over 80 per cent of total production, two thirds of total investment, and three fourths
of lending within the economy. The sector also provides jobs for about 90 per cent of the
employed working-age population. Further, Small Medium Enterprise (SMEs) are the backbone
of the African private sector accounting for over 90% of businesses in Africa and translating to
63% of employment in low-income countries while contributing to over 50% of the Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa. Increased
engagement and partnerships with private sectors can harness additional resources and expertise
Monitoring is an on-going activity consisting of the systematic collection of data and information
related to the indicators in order to provide the various actors of the ASS with information on the
progress and achievements of the objectives. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities are
critical to the effective implementation of the SHaSA 2 ten-year Action Plan. The evaluations
will assess the progress of the activities and the achievement of expected outputs, the quality of
the work undertaken and the products obtained, including timeliness and the use of resources.
The effectiveness and impact of the AU’s actions can be understood through regular evaluation
of programmes and initiatives, which can then inform future resource allocation and decision
making.
It is important for the AU to position itself to reap big from the digital trade and technological
e-commerce, all have the potential to improve lives and the time is ripe, for the AU to promote
these technologies and further innovations to be able to solve its own problems, be self-sufficient
and effectively trade on the global market. Technology adoption can strengthen the AU's
institutional capabilities. Efficiency and effectiveness can be increased by using digital tools for
information management, communication, and knowledge sharing. The AU's operations and
engagement with member states can be facilitated by investing in digital infrastructure and
The exchange of best practises and peer learning across member states can promote the
Case Studies:
1- African Standby Force (ASF) :
To increase the capability of its regional standby troops, the ASF has created regional training
centres across Africa. These facilities offer specialised instruction in fields like crisis
management, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping. The ASF ensures that its soldiers are
equipped with the skills and knowledge required to successfully conduct peace support missions
interoperable, and operationally ready because to joint exercises and simulations the ASF
conducts with them. Through these training sessions, the forces can hone their skills in a
real-world environment, enhancing their institutional capacity to handle crises and conflicts. The
ASF has formed alliances with global players, such as the United Nations and regional economic
communities, in order to benefit from their knowledge and assistance in enhancing institutional
capacity. These alliances give participants access to materials, educational opportunities, and
logistical assistance, all of which help the ASF improve its operational efficiency and capability.
In numerous conflict-affected areas, the ASF has effectively deployed peacekeeping missions,
such as AMISOM in Somalia and AFISMA in Mali. These deployments gave the ASF the
opportunity to practise carrying out peace support operations and helped to build its institutional
capabilities. The ASF has proven via these operations that it is capable of addressing
emergencies and assisting in peacebuilding initiatives across the continent. The ASF has made
tremendous strides towards harmonising and standardising its command structures, policies, and
operational processes. As a result, the regional standby forces are uniform and coherent, which
improves their institutional capacity generally and their ability to cooperate. The creation of
standard training materials, operational doctrines, and logistical frameworks are examples of
standardisation activities.
APRM is a tool for sharing experiences, reinforcing best practices, identifying deficiencies, and
assessing capacity-building needs to foster policies, standards and practices that lead to political
stability, high economic growth, sustainable development and accelerated sub-regional and
in all aspects of their governance and socio-economic development. African Union (AU)
legislative and judicial – as well as the private sector, civil society and the media. The APRM
Review Process gives member states a space for national dialogue on governance and
socio-economic indicators and an opportunity to build consensus on the way forward. Peer
reviews are conducted by the APRM, where member states interact positively to share best
practises, exchange experiences, and make suggestions for enhancing institutional capacity and
governance. This procedure encourages countries to carry out the suggested reforms, enhancing
their institutional frameworks while facilitating cross-national learning. The APRM provides
creation, and execution, these efforts seek to improve the abilities and knowledge of government
employees, members of civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. The APRM leads to
better institutional performance by enhancing human capability. The APRM keeps track of the
application of the suggestions provided throughout the peer review process through a follow-up
and monitoring system. This system makes sure that everyone is held accountable and aids
members states in filling institutional capability deficiencies. The continued support and
capacity-building initiatives are facilitated by regular progress reports and engagements with
member states.
The African Governance Architecture (AGA) is a mechanism for dialogue between stakeholders
that are mandated to promote good governance and bolster democracy in Africa. The AGA is
fundamentally one aspect – probably the most significant – of recent international law of
Values. The facility aims to especially promote: institutional capacity strengthening and building;
Shared Values instruments; and preventive diplomacy, post conflict reconstruction and
peacebuilding initiatives. The Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the African Court on Human and
Peoples' Rights (AfCHPR), the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Peer Review
Mechanism (APRM), and other important organisations are all part of the AGA. At the regional
and continental levels, these institutions are crucial for strengthening governance and ensuring
accountability. The AGA puts a lot of effort into enhancing institutional effectiveness and
governance procedures. It offers member nations and pertinent stakeholders technical assistance,
training, and knowledge-sharing programmes. Initiatives to create capacity improve the abilities
and expertise of public servants, members of civil society, and other stakeholders in fields like
public administration, democratic governance, and human rights. The AGA understands the
value of including individuals and members of civil society in governance processes. It promotes
and evaluation of policies. Participatory government and citizen involvement are strengthened by
this strategy.
The purpose of the ACSRT is to contribute to and strengthen the capacity of the African Union
through the PSC in the prevention and combating of terrorism in Africa, with the ultimate
objective of eliminating the threat posed by terrorism to peace, security, stability and
development in Africa. To this end, the ACSRT will collect and centralise information, studies
and analyses on terrorism and terrorist groups and develop training programs by organising, with
the assistance of international partners, training schedules, meetings and symposia. By offering
member states and pertinent stakeholders training programmes, workshops, and seminars, the
ACSRT plays a significant part in capacity building. These capacity-building projects seek to
improve the security personnel, law enforcement organisations, and other pertinent
counterterrorism actors' knowledge, talents, and capabilities. The ACSRT makes it easier for
member states and pertinent stakeholders to exchange knowledge, best practices, and lessons
learnt. In order to strengthen cooperation and collaboration in the fight against terrorism, it
creates networks and partnerships with national and international organisations. The ACSRT acts
as a focal point for cross-border cooperation, joint operations, and intelligence exchange. The
ACSRT works with international partners to strengthen its institutional capabilities. These
partners include the United Nations, Interpol, and other regional organisations. This cooperation
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