What the AU does
The African Union is the continent-wide intergovernmental organisation for political cooperation, economic integration, peace and security, development and common African positions in global affairs.
The main institutions
The Assembly of heads of state and government is the highest decision-making organ. The African Union Commission supports and implements the organisation’s work. Other bodies include the Peace and Security Council, the Pan-African Parliament and judicial or technical institutions created under AU treaties.
How AU decisions reach national level
Some decisions are political commitments, while treaties and protocols generally require signature, ratification or domestic implementation according to their terms. That means a continental decision can be important without immediately changing national law everywhere.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the African Union headquartered?
The African Union Commission is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Are AU decisions automatically national law?
Not always. The legal effect depends on the type of AU instrument and the domestic constitutional process of each member state.