Africa in Fact
Bankrolling regional security

Bankrolling regional security

The $200 million AU HQ in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia © Albert Gonzàlez Farran/UNAMID China’s presence on the continent may seem domineering, but its contributions to growth and security might be invaluable China...

Avoiding assimilation

Avoiding assimilation

Britain leaving the EU sent shockwaves worldwide © Mick Baker, Flickr The UK’s unexpected exit from the EU raises questions about whether the AU’s lofty integration ideals resonate with ordinary Africans On 24 June...

Valuing women and girls

Valuing women and girls

Despite conflicting legislation, the practices of female genital mutilation and child marriage are on the wane as a result of the AU’s continental approach to eradicating them More than 700 million women and girls...

Fair’s fair: giving the AU its due

Fair’s fair: giving the AU its due

A 2013 sitting of the AU, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia © Albert González Farran, UNAMID It seems unfair that the AU is held to higher standards than other regional blocs, when it sometimes accomplishes more The African Union...

Not quite at the ready

Not quite at the ready

Senegalese peacekeepers train in North Darfur, Sudan © Alberto Gonzalez Farran/UN Photo Despite being proposed in 2003, the African Standby Force is still not ready to hit the ground running For Africa, after the fall...

Falling behind on safety

Falling behind on safety

Inconsistent funding partners’ uncoordinated missions and lagging member states hinder the AU’s counter-terrorism measures Continuous bloodletting by extremist groups in Africa in recent years has brought into question...