In 2002, 53 African countries joined together to form the African Union (AU). The leaders of these countries felt that the union would benefit all the countries' people, governments, and businesses. Today the headquarters of the AU is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The AU took the place of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which had existed for 39 years. During that time, many new countries formed in Africa. These countries had been under the control of European powers. As each new country became independent, it faced a large number of problems. The countries set up the OAU so that they could help each other. African leaders formed the AU to improve what the OAU had been doing. One of the AU's goals is to promote unity, or togetherness, between African countries and peoples. Other goals are to defend each of the member countries and to encourage international cooperation. The AU also works for peace and stability, the end of hunger, and the protection of human rights. The leaders of the AU hope to bring all of Africa under a single, central government someday. The AU already has its own parliament, or lawmaking body. The leaders are also planning a court system for all of Africa. In addition, they want the countries of the AU to use a single form of money. |