WHO IS AU SECRETARY GENERAL?

The African Union (AU) is a continental organization that was formed in 2002 to promote unity, peace, and development in Africa. The organization is made up of 55 member states, and its headquarters is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. At the helm of this organization is the African Union Secretary General, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization. In this article, we will take a closer look at the AU Secretary General, their role, and their impact on the African continent.

What is the African Union?

Before we delve deeper into the role of the AU Secretary General, it is important to have a basic understanding of the African Union and its history. The African Union was established in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which was formed in 1963. The main aim of the AU is to bring together African countries to work towards the socio-economic development of the continent.

What is the Role of the AU Secretary General?

The AU Secretary General is the chief administrative officer of the African Union. They are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization and implementing the decisions made by the AU Assembly and the Executive Council. The Secretary General is also responsible for representing the AU in international forums and negotiations.

In addition to the administrative duties, the AU Secretary General has a number of other responsibilities. These include:

Promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa
Promoting economic integration and development in Africa
Coordinating the work of the AU Commission, which is the main administrative body of the AU
Representing the AU in negotiations with international partners and organizations
Mobilizing resources for the AU's programs and initiatives

Who is the Current AU Secretary General?

The current AU Secretary General is Moussa Faki Mahamat from Chad. He was elected to the position in January 2017 and his term will end in January 2022. Prior to his appointment, Mahamat served as Chad's Minister of Foreign Affairs and was also the Chairman of the African Union Commission.

Mahamat's tenure as AU Secretary General has been marked by a focus on peace and security in Africa. He has been instrumental in the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is aimed at boosting intra-African trade and economic integration. Mahamat has also been active in mediating conflicts in various African countries, including Sudan and South Sudan.

How is the AU Secretary General Elected?

The AU Secretary General is elected by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which is made up of the leaders of all 55 member states. The election takes place at the AU Summit, which is held twice a year. Candidates are nominated by member states and must have the support of at least two-thirds of the member states to be elected.

The election process is usually preceded by a series of consultations among member states to identify a suitable candidate. The candidate who is elected is expected to have the necessary qualifications, experience, and vision to lead the AU.

What Impact Does the AU Secretary General Have on Africa?

The AU Secretary General plays a critical role in shaping the direction of the African Union and the continent as a whole. The Secretary General is responsible for implementing the AU's programs and initiatives, promoting economic integration, and ensuring peace and security in Africa.

The impact of the AU Secretary General on Africa can be seen in a number of areas. For example, under the leadership of former Secretary General Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the AU launched Agenda 2063, which is a long-term development plan for the continent. The plan aims to transform Africa into a prosperous, peaceful, and integrated continent by 2063.

The current Secretary General, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has also made significant contributions to the continent. His focus on peace and security has helped to resolve conflicts in various African countries, and his efforts to boost economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area have the potential to transform the continent's economic landscape.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the AU Secretary General is a critical figure in the African Union and plays a key role in shaping the continent's future. The Secretary General is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization, promoting peace and security, and promoting economic integration and development.

Through their leadership and vision, the AU Secretary General has the potential to bring about significant change in Africa. From Agenda 2063 to the African Continental Free Trade Area, the AU Secretary General has demonstrated their commitment to transforming the continent into a prosperous, peaceful, and integrated entity. It is therefore important to support the AU Secretary General in their efforts to lead and guide the African Union towards a brighter future.