Challenges Facing the AU's Peace and Security Council

Abstract

The ambitious design of the African Union (AU), set out in the Constitutive Act of 2000, is taking shape at a remarkable pace. Less than two years after the inauguration of the AU in Durban, South Africa, member states are ready to move from the paperwork and ratification process, to the launch of two key organs: the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the Pan-African Parliament (PAP). Although it took longer to enter into force, the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights establishing an African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights has finally been ratified by enough countries in order for judges to be appointed and to begin their work this year. The statutes for the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) are expected to gain the Executive Council’s approval shortly, allowing this civil society forum to meet before the end of 2004.