African Union faces high expectations but low capacity

Significance

The Summit came amid challenging internal and external circumstances including old and new conflicts, military coups, economic struggles, sluggish economic integration, democratic regression and global big-power geopolitics.

Impacts

• Gaps in AU leadership may create opportunities for regional organisations to take an enhanced role.
• AU weaknesses may further fragment efforts to enhance Africa’s position in global affairs.
• The 2021 merger of the AU’s political affairs and peace and security departments will aggravate shortages of expert personnel.