African Union at 20: Taking Stock of the AU’s Normative and Institutional Frameworks on Human Rights and Governance

The African Union (AU) celebrates 20 years of its establishment in 2002 at the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) transformation. The continent has recorded modest gains in deepening a culture of democratic and participatory governance, respect for human rights, constitutionalism, justice, and the rule of law. These gains have been made possible through a robust normative and institutional framework the AU has developed for the protection and promotion of the human rights of African peoples. Despite the development, numerous governance challenges persist and significantly impede the enjoyment of human and people’s rights in Africa. However, there is optimism that the continent will with time achieve its aspirations enshrined in the instruments it has adopted. This chapter has discussed the successes and challenges within the AU since its establishment. As the AU turns 20, it is indeed time for fair critique, while acknowledging many of its successes that most scholars turn to ignore.