Is the African Union failing Africa?

Analysis of its role in conflict resolution and economic integration

- SIFISO SONJICA

A LOT OF questions are being raised across the continent on whether the African Union (AU) is failing Africa.

Established in 2002 after the dissolution of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), the AU was envisioned as the body responsible for promoting unity, peace, democracy, and sustainable development across Africa.

Guided by the principles of collective security and Pan-Africanism, the AU is expected to more effectively respond to the continent's challenges than its predecessor OAU. However, it is now two decades after its establishment, but the question arises: Is the AU failing Africa on multiple fronts?

The recent unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, coupled with the bastardisation of democratic governance through disputed elections in several states such as Zimbabwe in August 2023, Mozambique in October 2-24, Namibia in November 2024 and Tanzania in October 2025 have reignited debates about the AU’s capacity to act as an effective continental body.

While the AU has made commendable strides in promoting intra-African trade through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), its response to armed conflicts and democratic backsliding has been inconsistent and often reactive rather than preventive.