African Union

Why in news?

• The African Union (AU) has been admitted as a new member of the G20.
• This development took place at the ongoing 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi.

About African Union (AU):

• The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of the 55 member states that make up the countries of the African Continent.
• In 1963, the Organization of African Unity was founded by the independent states of Africa. The organization aimed to promote cooperation between African states.
• The 1980 Lagos Plan of Action was adopted by the Organization of African Unity. The plan suggested that Africa should minimize reliance upon the West by promoting intra-African trade.
• In 2002, the Organization of African Unity was succeeded by the African Union, which had as one of its goals to accelerate the "economic integration of the continent”.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘African Union (AU)’:

1. One of its stated objectives is to minimize reliance upon the West by promoting intra-African trade

2. It is formed immediately after First World War

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer