Problem is we have spine less unfrican people as our leadedrs. Its just like in America, they have many smaller states (Texas, Chicago etc) within their country, each with its own parliament that makes laws for that particular state. The African Union can intervene militarily and has sent peacekeeping troops to alleviate political and social disorder in places like Darfur (Sudan), Somalia, Burundi, and Comoros. Advantages And Disadvantages Of The African Union 965 Words | 4 Pages. In conclusion, the African Union comprises all but one of Africa's countries. I will even add that if it wasnt for Nigerias 99% Christian south, Nigeria would have turned into another Somalia. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd, promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa, Economic Community of West African States, forced the despotic Yahya Jammeh to vacate office, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. It would make the country much more governable. A few nations, like Niger, Mauritania, and Madagascar have been suspended from the organization after political events like coup d'etats. The thought that this way of life can be changed by imposing a single identity is simply absurd and un-African. This leaves other EAC Members with the dilemma of signing the agreement individually and abandoning the EAC Customs Union, or themselves abandoning the agreement with the EU. It sad to read that some africans are against such endeavor. African countries gain economically from hosting foreign military bases. The AU rightly recognizes the demographic dividend to be reaped from the regions youthful population structure, as numerous countries in Asia have benefited from over the past two decades, and, hence, member states are encouraged to link their growth performance and development pattern to the creation of employment and socio-economic opportunities especially for young people. You are spoiling our hope. A bill has to pass through both houses of congress as well as the president before it can be an official law. We believe in our weaknesses and think we cant do better without the hands of westerners.African people dont copy with modern laws and regulations. Although the OAU gave weapons to rebels and was successful in eliminating colonization, it could not eliminate the massive poverty problem. Yes, I want unification. Judging from the drastic fall in conflicts and coups, and the increasing number of successful elections in the region in the past decade, it can be inferred that on balance actions by the AU has added value to Africas political performance . Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, was appointed to lead the AU institutional reforms process. For example, al-Shabaab in Somalia exploits porous borders to carry out deadly attacks in Kenya. I love what you saying cause it makes sense, Malema didnt say you should forget about your mothers tougue, If Africa were to unite there is one question you must ask. Each state was to have equal powers and in most ways was to be independent of the other states. It tacitly countenanced the coups in Egypt in 2013 and Zimbabwe in 2017. Strengths and Weaknesses of the OAU - Ethiopian Legal Brief The laws they do have aren't always strictly enforced. Different ethnic groups are not a problem if we all have one common goal. China and India are often referenced as good replicas for Africa in this regard, but both countries owe their success to shared ancestral language among their people. Hi my name is Jackline Celestine Kitale from Tanzania and I would like to say that I agree with almost everything you just pointed out but I think that shouldnt be the reasons that stop the union of Africa. High and still rising levels of unemployment among young people in Africa prompted heads of state at the AUsummit in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, last June to adopt a Declaration on Creating Employment for Accelerating Youth Development and Empowerment. If Malema wants Africans to reject English and French because they demean their identities, then he should not be guilty of the same.. You have only highlighted elements that make a single African state seem impossible rather than identifying the commonalities that we could leverage upon to strengthen African unity. Member states are required to pay annual contributions to the union, but because of poverty and weak economies, it makes it difficult for some member countries to pay their contributions to the AU in good time. (2021, February 16). One leader in control of a big entity with enormous resources, judging by the political history of modern Africa, would be extremely dangerous. Box 3243, Roosvelt Street W21K19 O HAIL UNITED STATES OF AFRICA..COME WHAT MAY, I WILL MAKE SURE I SEE IT THROUGH .ONE WAY OR ANOTHER WE MUST AND WE WILL UNITE..LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW U.S.A!!!!!!!! Due to the political chaos that ensued after the Portuguese left and gave up their claim on Angola, the nation was convulsed by a violent civil war. Black men and women wake , unite , work together to build a successful innovative Africa It studies the causes of these problems, like famine, drought, crime, and war. That was the mantra back then and it is the mantra today. Free trade amongst member countries. These include fighting in the Western Sahara, conflict in the Maghreb region involving the Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, the Somali civil war, and the Allied Democratic Forces and Lords Resistance Army insurgencies in Uganda and the DRC. Its goal of integration has fostered one identity and has enhanced the political, economic, and social climate of the continent, thereby giving hundreds of millions of people a healthier and more successful future. Our shining example is Rwanda that all dreams are possible when u believe in yourself and abilities. The AU offers exciting opportunities to get involved in determining continental policies and implementing development programmes that impact the lives of African citizens everywhere. The ULA gov would invest heavily in uniting the country through road,rail and air. Among others, it represents the Union and defends its interests; elaborates draft common positions of the Union; prepares strategic plans and studies for the consideration of the Executive Council; elaborates, promotes, coordinates and harmonizes the programmes and policies of the Union with those of the RECs; ensures the mainstreaming of gender in all programmes and activities of the Union. These are the reasons why each . Africa CDC | African Union Leaders have other responsibilities. Advantage And Disadvantage Of Brics | ipl.org - Internet Public Library People like u are Africas problems. These include Turkey, Egypt, Russia and United Arab Emirates. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/african-union-definition-1434325. However, looking at things calmly, it must be acknowledged that belonging to the franc zone is not devoid of all merit. Countries deal with tribalism. The Presidency should rotate from country to country for a term of one year only. Federalism. We now use english because of colonialism. Richard, Katherine Schulz. Nothing but cowards running the government right now. A major goal of the African Union is to encourage the collective defense, security, and stability of its members. so if you talk about tribes and languages, it shows how much we need this badly. Southern Africa went on to establish its own regional military brigade instead. Yes youre just doing your job; youve identified some of our challenges, and have given your expert opinion on why it wont work. The European racists knows our weakness as Africans that we are not United and we hate one another https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCcmuwrAUq8. Our diversity is our strength. The headquarters of the African Union is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. As a result, companies' ideas often get stolen. Espresso vs Coffee: What Are the Differences? Often, those who have strong feelings of nationalism share a common language, common culture, and common history, as the text says on page 532. Burkina Faso is bordered in the North and the West by Mali; in the South by Cote dIvoire, Ghana, Togo and Ghana and to the East by Niger. Despite numerous protocols and signing of technical consensus documents to facilitate the free movement of goods and people across borders, the AUs record in stimulating the removal of trade barriers between countries in the union is less than impressive and the value of intra-African trade is still abysmally low as a percentage of total trade. It is composed of 53 countries in Africa and is loosely based on the European Union. Problems will always be there,hence that is not areason to avoid u iting Africans. Nigeria and the African Union (AU) are good examples. Things Fall Apart is a perfect novel to study colonialism as it deals with the perspectives of the colonizer and the colonized. What Africa needs to work is for countries to allow more autonomy for local governments i.e., states, counties, provinces, etcetera, and prioritize multinational cooperation on the regional level, i.e., through ECOWAS, SADC, EAC, etcetera. ECOSOCCThe Economic, Social and Cultural Council, an advisory organ composed of different social and professional groups of the Member States of the Union. So each Bloc would have its own Parliament and have unique laws within the laws of the One African State. Author of this article points out some potential challenges of the unification of Africa. Find out more by visiting the links on right. But he is fundamentally wrong about the prospects of Africa as a country. However, at the same time, unified government can prove to have disadvantages as the presidents ultimate goal is to be reelected which would mean appealing to the moderates. we need to get rid of the mental shackles that are still in our mind, making us to believe that other races are great and supreme than us!! There will be many civil wars and a second rwanda situation will occur. This can affect employee morale, reduce productivity and negatively impact communication. This would make sure that our future generations dont mix this up at the airport when travelling or other events that may require you nationality. So, for such empires as Austria-Hungary and Russia who had a very multiethnic, multireligious population, mass nationalism posed many challenges. We can always let white do the thinking for us. In a recent video, South African far-left leader, Julius Malema, admonished Africans to find indigenous ways to address their challenges and unite under a single state. No where has that dynamic force proved more decisive than in the African struggle for decolonization. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Trade Unions In South Africa. A free trade area offers several advantages, including: 1. RURAL ECONOMY AND AGRICULTURE (Rural Economy, Agriculture and Food Security, Livestock, Environment, Water and Natural Resources and Desertification)8. The pros and cons of the CFA franc zone - The Africa Report.com I like to believe that the idea of a unified Africa is not that far fetched however it has its challenges. The Bloc would have similar laws and culture and would make the country easy to administer. It receives aid from countries around the world to deliver on its promises of peace and health for all Africans. Africa is bigger than all of us and I will want to leave it knowing generations to come will be masters of their destinies and not slaves to pre-existing doctrines and beurracracy. A confederation is a loose association, rather than a firm union, of states. Therefore, he or she might refuse to pass laws that are too liberal or conservative in order to keep the moderates happy. The first step will be for us a continent to decolonize our African minds from mental slavery that keeps us from doubting ourselves and our abilities as Africans Additionally the majority will have power over the minorities. Even though European countries, like France, Great Britain and Portugal, had very few establishments in Africa, they were constantly trading with them. We need to start pushing and standardizing our own languages and making them more academic. A main disadvantage the South had was resources. Put in more . Together we are able to come up with solutions to our problems. I dont believe there are over two thousand languages. Read More Importance Of International Relations Essay That country was unify because of a great leader. Countries that are alike and have mutual interests work together. Real USA, Unite states of Africa. This would work much like the US where gov power is local. My problem is their budget. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Regional Integration | ipl.org A trade union is an organisation which consists of members, including workers and union leaders who come together to protect and stimulate their common interests. Africa saw its independence as meaningless as long as a part of it remained under colonial tyranny. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) was officially signed at the African Union Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda on March 18, 2018. Everyone would have equal treatment under the rule of law, ensuring that you are tried by a Jury and not the police. The presence of foreign military forces on the continent is of concern beyond the Libyan conflict. Some of these RECs, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), have been quite active in exploring possibilities to harmonize budgetary and fiscal policies and for a monetary union on the basis of a common currency. The author of this blog is Professor Franklyn Lisk, More information on the Centre for Globalisation/Regionalisation, Experts DirectoryTelephone ListingsCommunications OfficePress and Media RelationsImage LibraryUniversity ProfileSocial Media, University of WarwickCoventryCV4 7ALUnited KingdomTel: +44 (0)24 7652 3523Fax: +44 (0)24 7646 1606. However, several smaller multi-state organizations exist in Africa, like the East African Community and the Economic Community of West African States, so the African Union can study how successful these smaller regional organizations have been in combating poverty and political strife. Chris Changwe Nshimbi receives funding from the European Commission (Erasmus+), Department of Science and Technology/National Research Foundation (DST/NRF, South Africa), The Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES). We use cookies to give you the best online experience. And we will remain a third world continent until the time comes that we unite. Its leaders try to improve educational and career opportunities for ordinary citizens. Now how about listing the commonalities and framing our difference as our strength. Its how they were able to CONTROL slaves all over the world. Citizens will be all black persons who are prominent in the world. A CONCEPT NOTE SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIVERSIDADE FERNANDO, Advantages And Disadvantages Of The African Union, The African Union is one of the world 's most dominant intergovernmental operations. Financial issues: Insufficient finance is also another major problem that is presently bedeviling the African Union. Subduing terrorists would be easy if done quickly and undercover. we are trying to bake here. because we are one people, Your email address will not be published. Also, if the AU had achieved its goal of uniting Africa under a confederacy, there would be no calls for another form of union. advantages and disadvantages of african union Equally, neither federalism nor confederalism would likely work. Internal conflicts would be brought about but by rotating leadership with a period of a year for every countries best interest and using federalism this subsides. There is unified government, which appears when the President and both houses of congress share the same party. As for the. Following that, the organisation should work through regional economic communities and people at grassroots to end conflict. Imagine a continent. According to Ogbonmwan (2008), every society has rules, principles, norms and values that regulate and conduct its members. The regional bloc occasionally gives early warnings of brewing conflicts in member states. China had various languages and dialects. 5 Reasons Why a United States of Africa may Fail Your email address will not be published. The AU has clearly had reasonable successes through its direct contribution and collaboration with the international community to settling and minimising conflicts in some of the regions hotbeds, such as trouble spots in the Sudan, resolving post-election violent conflicts in Cote dIvoire and Kenya, and forcing military coup-makers to hand back power to civilian regimes. Nigeria for Example has a boko Haram issue in Northern Nigeria and now it has bled over into Border countries areas like Chad, Niger, Cameroon, if their were no border countries it would have spread like wildfire into other countries. Fourth, Africans need to stop always blaming colonialism as the only issue that is causing africans issues, another big issues is africans themselves, many are greedy and selfish which is a current reason why dictators feel they can stay as leaders forever like Gaddafi & Mugabe and why corruption runs like wildfire that simple basic necessities that Africans ask for like electricity, healthcare and etc is a difficult task. The Permanent Representatives' CommitteeComposed of Permanent Representatives of Member States accredited to the Union. By looking for unit to gain our identity back before anything else, will be the move to the right direction. In 1750 - 1900, European countries wanted to build empires all over the world; they wanted to provide materials for industrialization. However, a french or German just needs to learn English to work in Africa. Richard, Katherine Schulz. UNECA estimates that AfCFTA will boost intra-African trade by 52.3% once import duties and non-tariff barriers are eliminated. A unitary system is only ideal for a small geographical area with common values. The African Union should revisit its Constitutive Act to address principles that limit its ability to intervene in conflicts in member states territories. Dont get me wrong Swahili should be learned to improve communication amongst us, but that should not come to undermine our own mother tongues. A unified government should seem to be more productive because enacting laws would be much easier. It works to get healthy food, safe water, and adequate housing to the poor, especially in times of disaster. Colonialism integrated Africa into international labor division. Since member states or countries have different official languages, it sometimes makes communication quite difficult. The Articles of Confederation structured the first government of the thirteen states. The distrust among members comes normally as a result of differences in political ideologies. My question to those who against unification. It also includes, cultural political and psychological changes. The OAU: The Precursor to the African Union, The Improvement of Government, Finances, and Infrastructure. Which is their greatest weapon to penetrate and exploit our beloved mother land Tanzania's refusal to sign the EPA has obvious implications for the regional integration process. This leaves the AU constantly in dire need of funds to carry out its work. A United States of Africa is a disastrous idea. U are just giving the same caucasianised view that makes the real solutions to Africas problems impossible without even proposing a better one. However, trade unions do try to develop close relationships . POLITICAL AFFAIRS (Human Rights, Democracy, Good Governance, Electoral Institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Humanitarian Affairs, Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons)3. Mr. Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, was appointed to lead the AU institutional reforms process. Later, as Europeans tried conquer African land, native people became frustrated and upset; in response to imperialism. Africa is the mother of all continents mainly because of its resources.