The Architecture and Capacity of the African Union: By Prof. Maria Nzomo Institute of Diplomacy &International Studies University of Nairobi

Abstract

Statement delivered by Prof. Maria Nzomo Institute of Diplomacy &International Studies University of Nairobi at the AU/ADF III Symposium. Prof. Nzomo, on his remarks highlighted that, There is no way in this day and age that AU is going to succeed unless the principle of power sharing is accepted, internalised and practised. This is the only way a workable methodology can be developed for creating synergy/co-operation commonality of purpose and vision between the work of the new AU and the existing regional sub-regional initiatives. In order to achieve the objective of democratic governance as well as to succeed in its overall mission, AU must broaden participation to include representatives of CSOs, professional bodies, research institutions and the private sector. Africa needs to strengthen its indigenous resource base and reduce its overdependence on external bilateral and multilateral funding sources. There is, across the continent, a general lack of confidence in political institutions and political leaders because of the exclusion of citizens from structures and processes of governance. Africa cannot be said to be short of International, Regional and Sub-regional institutions with various mandates for promoting everything from economic integration, human rights and conflict and peacekeeping matters.