An Afrocentric Critique of the Pitfalls of the African Union in Promoting Unity, Peace, and Solidarity of African States

Africa has become a victim of civil wars and such wars have a negative impact on the development and economic growth of the continent. In 2001, the African Union (AU), which replaced the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), was established with the main purpose of maintaining peace in Africa, achieving greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between the African countries and African nations as well as defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States. Therefore, this study aimed to beam light on the pitfalls of the African Union in promoting unity, peace, and solidarity of African states. The objectives of the study were to explore the historical background of the African Union and analyse the pitfalls of the African Union as a continental peacekeeping institution. This paper argued that, if the mentioned pitfalls are not attended to, then that will mark the collapse of the AU. This paper made use of the theory of Afrocentricity in analysing the challenges of the AU and gave recommendations on how the pitfalls can be tackled. The paper concluded that, to conquer the pitfalls of the AU and Africa generally, Africans need to unite and work together to find solutions to these problems and contribute to the institution for its prosperity in fulfilling its purpose