Guinea-Bissau Coup: President Flees to Senegal as Regional Bodies Condemn Takeover

The African Union (AU) is a continental organization comprising all 55 African nations, established in 2002 to succeed the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Its mission is to accelerate political and socio-economic integration, promote peace and security, defend sovereignty, and champion Africa’s collective interests on the global stage. The AU’s vision is encapsulated in Agenda 2063, a strategic framework aiming for an “integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens.” Historically, the AU evolved from the OAU, shifting focus from decolonization to economic development, regional integration, and conflict resolution. A landmark achievement is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to create the world’s largest free trade zone, boosting intra-African commerce and digital connectivity. The AU has also played a pivotal role in mediating regional conflicts, supporting democratic governance, and advancing human rights through bodies like the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights. In 2025, the AU faces critical challenges, including ongoing security crises in Sudan, the Great Lakes, and the Sahel, as well as the need to strengthen its leadership and institutional reforms. The February 2025 summit marked a leadership transition, with the election of a new AU Commission chairperson, underscoring the importance of effective governance and continental unity. The year’s theme, “Justice for Africans and peoples of African descent through reparations,” highlights the AU’s commitment to addressing historical injustices and promoting inclusive development. The AU’s growing influence in global governance and its efforts to foster innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development make it a key player for businesses and technology leaders interested in Africa’s future. Its partnerships with international organizations, such as the United Nations, further enhance its capacity to drive regional stability and economic growth.

The **Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)** is a regional political and economic union comprising 12 member states in West Africa, established on 28 May 1975 through the signing of the Treaty of Lagos.[1] With a combined area of over 5.1 million square kilometers and a population exceeding 424 million people, ECOWAS represents one of Africa's most significant regional integration initiatives.[1] ## Mission and Core Objectives ECOWAS operates with an ambitious mandate to achieve "collective self-sufficiency" among member states by creating a unified trade bloc and full economic and trading union.[1] The organization promotes economic integration across all sectors—including industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, agriculture, and commerce—while raising living standards and fostering economic development.[2] Its founding principles emphasize equality, solidarity, cooperation, human rights promotion, and democratic governance.[1] ## Institutional Framework and Achievements The organization functions through four main institutions: the Commission, the Community Parliament, the Community Court of Justice, and the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development.[2] These bodies implement policies and execute development projects including intra-community infrastructure, telecommunications networks, and agricultural initiatives.[2] In 1990, ECOWAS established a free trade area, followed by adopting a common external tariff in January 2015.[3] Additionally, the organization developed a peacekeeping force to address regional security challenges.[3] ## Current Status and Challenges As of January 29, 2025, ECOWAS faced a significant crisis when Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger formally withdrew from the bloc, marking the most substantial rupture since its founding.[5][6] These three nations, governed by military juntas, established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) in September 2023, citing

The United Nations (UN) is a pivotal international organization established in 1945, following the devastation of World War II, with the primary goal of maintaining global peace and security, fostering international cooperation, and promoting social progress. The UN Charter, signed by 51 founding member states, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and the Soviet Union, laid the foundation for this ambitious endeavor[1][3]. ## History and Structure The UN was born out of the failures of its predecessor, the League of Nations, which failed to prevent World War II. Key planning meetings, such as the Dumbarton Oaks Conference in 1944, defined the UN's structure, which includes the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the Secretariat[1][6]. The Security Council, with five permanent members (the United States, China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom), holds significant influence due to its veto power[2]. ## Key Achievements Over the years, the UN has played a crucial role in conflict resolution, human rights advocacy, and sustainable development. Notable achievements include the establishment of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and the implementation of numerous peacekeeping missions worldwide[3][4]. The UN has also been instrumental in addressing global challenges such as climate change and pandemics through its various programs and agencies. ## Current Status Today, the UN comprises 193 member states, with its most recent addition being South Sudan in 2011[5]. The organization continues to evolve, addressing emerging issues like digital governance and cybersecurity. Despite challenges, the UN remains a cornerstone of international diplomacy and cooperation. ## Notable Aspects The UN's work is not limited to politics; it also impacts business and technology through initiatives that promote sustainable development and digital inclusion. Its role in setting global standards and fostering international cooperation makes it a significant player in shaping the