Number: RS21332
Title: The African Union
Authors: Nicolas Cook, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: In July 2002, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was superseded by the African Union (AU). During its inaugural year, the AU will focus primarily on the activities of an AU Interim Commission, which will transfer the institutional and real assets and liabilities of the OAU to the AU, and establish the AU's organizational structure. The AU policy agenda overlaps substantially with that of the OAU, but more strongly emphasizes a need for greater economic growth and for governance reforms. The AU is likely to confront many of the same policy and fiscal challenges faced by the OAU.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated April 30, 2003