African Union and Regional Economic Communities in Africa - Minimizing Multiple Allegiances and Rationalizing Partnership

Abstract

This article looks at the African Union and the array of Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and their role in breaking down colonial demarcations and artificial borders in the continent. Considering the RECs as the Building Blocs of the African Economic Community (AEC) and the AU, the article also looks at the multiple allegiances of the different African countries to the different RECs and the so-called “special bilateral partners” from outside Africa and the impact of this on genuine integration on the continent. Focusing on the aspect of multiple allegiances that slow the pace of regional integration on the continent, I will attempt to provide an analysis of the main reasons for this and suggest some possible solutions.