The African Union (AU)
The African Union is a regional organization consisting of 55 member states in the African continent. Established in 2002, its main goal is to enhance peace, prosperity, as well as political and economic integration. Our research focuses mainly on what the African Union does to promote peace, security and stability on the continent.
The challenges facing Africa as a continent are complex and multi-faceted. These include rising levels of violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism, increased migratory flows, and chronic problems related to poverty, governance and development. In this context, regional organisations like the African Union have become important actors, and partners, in the maintenance of stability. For example, the AU has authorised more than a dozen peace support operations since 2002 to conflict zones across Africa.
NUPI, mainly through its flagship programme, Training for Peace, conducts research on evolving security trends in Africa and how the AU responds to these. Together with partners in the Global South, the programme supports the AUC mainly through research and policy development, to build its capacity to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts, and promote stability in Africa.
Some of the questions we seek to answer are:
- What are the most challenging security threats facing the African continent, and how are they evolving?
- What are the African Union’s strategies and responses to these security challenges?
- How can African Union peace operations better respond to contemporary security challenges?
- How can African Union peace and security interventions be more comprehensive, that is, take into account questions related to human rights, prevention, development and governance?
News about au
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The hidden consequences of Covid-19
1 Mar 2021It is no secret that the consequences of the pandemic we are now in the midst of, are enormous. But did you know that covid-19 may contribute to a reversal of the global work on women's rights? Or that it may lead to a dramatic decrease in peace operations?
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How is the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the Africa-Europe partnership?
20 May 2020It is already clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to significantly disrupt the political, economic and social fabric in Africa and Europe, but how will it affect the relationship between Africa and Europe?
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Sustaining Peace in the time of COVID-19
12 May 2020NUPI is present with several events at the Stockholm Forum on Peace and Development. See them all here!
Publications about au
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Publication
: Popular scientific article
Pathways towards a revitalised Africa-Europe strategic partnership
2020The African Union and European Union were scheduled to adopt a new strategic partnership agreement at an AU-EU summit in October 2020, but it had to be postponed due to COVID-19 risks and related delays. This may be a blessing in disguise, as it gives the negotiators more time to adapt the relationship... -
Publication
: Report
COVID-19 and the African Union. Challenges, prospects and side-effects
2020The African Union is coordinating the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Africa, but the measures introduced are also significantly disrupting the reforms, programmes and operations of the AU. -
Publication
: ARTIKKEL
Disengaging from violent extremism: The case of al-Shabaab in Somalia
Disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration for members of violent extremist groups during ongoing conflict is a tricky matter. Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) programmes are normally implemented after a peace agreement is in place. However, this does not apply to south central...
Research projects about au
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Research project
Training for Peace 2020 - 2025 (TfP)
2020 - 2025 (Ongoing)In its new phase (2020-2025) the TfP will strengthen its partnership and collaboration with the African Union, by providing applied research, policy support and capacity-building.
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Photograph: EU media library
Research projectCOOPERATION: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and President og the AU, Moussa Faki Mahama.
Shaping a New Africa-Europe Relationship for a post-Covid-19 global order
2020 - 2021 (Ongoing)This collaborative project between NUPI, ACCORD and ECFR aims to stimulate and enrich the dialogue in Africa and Europe on the underlying geopolitical, Covid-19, peace and security and other key developments...
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Foto: John Taggart/Reuters/NTB Scanpix
Research project
China and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (CHINSDG)
2018 - 2019 (Ongoing)What are Chinese priorities in relation to the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and how do Chinese actors promote their interests and prospects for international cooperation?