· Critics urge AU to be citizens’ union
Critics argue that the African Union has largely been ineffective in embracing the values of Africans and allow greater engagement of citizens in the aspiration and actions of the bloc.
From it working languages to the limited platforms African citizens get involved in continental matters, the union is rebuked by critics for doing little to be a union of the Africans while attributing the problem to financial and political dependence on external entities.
The union’s extreme reliance on the financial assistance of affluent nations has made it susceptible to be weak in terms of becoming African institution, many argue.
For years, the continental bloc has claimed that it has been trying to prioritize the interests of the people across the continent. Yet, critics argue that the union is largely ineffective, after six decades, it has failed to be citizens’ union.
Like other international and continental unions, African citizens want to participate in AU policymaking and political discourse to help foster strong democratic leadership and sustainable economic development across the continent.
This desire reflects a commitment to transparency, accountability, and civic engagement, empowering communities to influence decisions that affect their lives and ensure that policies address their needs effectively on the continent.
However, many argue that the union has no any platform that the African people participate in the bloc’s policy formulation and discussion pertinent to the continent.
The African Union is so much weak to resolve the disconnected between the continent citizens’ interest and the AU aims, said Dawit Mezgebe a PhD candidate, on African and Asian Studies at Addis Ababa University.
From January 2018 to April 2019, the EU Commission conducted over 1,100 Citizens’ Dialogues. These sessions, featuring citizens’ questions and responses from EU Commissioners, aimed to foster diversity by randomly selecting participants from various EU member states.
European citizens have a platform to engage directly with EU policies and can propose new laws by collecting one million signatures. They can also petition the European Parliament and take part in public consultations by the European Commission.
Indirectly, citizens influence EU policymaking by voting in European elections, contacting Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), and participating in national parliaments.
Despite the AU’s efforts to establish human rights frameworks, conflict resolution mechanisms, and platforms for citizen engagement, Dawit argued that these initiatives are often hindered by a lack of financial support and a reliance on external funding. The union’s edges may be well intentioned, but without sustainable funding and self-reliance, they risk becoming mere marks rather than effective solutions, he said.
On his part, African Change for Interaction and Think Tank General Director, African and foreign Affairs Policy Researcher Worku Yakob (PhD) pointed out that while citizens have opportunities to symbolize with the AU through various institutions, there is a troubling disconnect between their concerns and the union’s actions.
He mentioned that citizens raise critical questions about peace, economic stability, and democratic governance, yet these concerns often go unaddressed. This gap between dialogue and action raises doubts about the AU’s commitment to its foundational goals, he noted.
On his part, Political Science & International Relation Expert and Peace Building at Global Peace Bank Director Deyamo Dale emphasized that the lack of tangible responses to citizen inquiries undermines the notion that the AU is truly inclusive or representative of the African citizens. This situation reflects a broader systemic issue where the voices of ordinary Africans are drowned out by bureaucratic processes, he said.
Furthermore, joining civil society organizations focused on the EU issues allows for advocacy. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed through news outlets and social media, fostering community discussions on EU matters.
Deyamo further emphasized that despite the existence of various institutions and civil organizations within the AU, they are yet to be vibrant and realize of the citizens’ needs.
Due to this, Worku’s assertion that some leaders prioritize political affiliations over continental unity underscores the need for a paradigm shift within the AU. For the union to regain its credibility and fulfill its mission, a commitment to collective African interests must replace individual or biased agendas.
The experts underlined that the AU must address its financial dependencies, enhance its leadership capacity, and ensure that the voices of African citizens are not only heard but acted upon. Also, it should create to genuine collaboration among African nations for fulfill its promises.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2025
