AN EVALUATION OF AFRICAN UNION (AU) AND THE PROTECTION

OF HUMAN RIGHTS (1990- 2012)

Matawal A.B.

Department of Political Science

University of Jos, Jos, Nigeria

E-mail: matawaladams@yahoo.com

Abstract: The paper attempts the evaluation of the African Union as a multilateral organization at fifty (50) since its establishment in 1963 as Organization of African Union, until its transformation to AU in 2002. Its activities cover political, social, economic, and security issues as well as harnessing the natural and human resources, social issues, harnessing of the entire-continent for the total advancement of the people. However, despite this laudable role, the issue of human rights protection in the continent has continued to be a critical concern for citizens of the continent. This indeed might be responsible the continent’s inability to attain political and economic independence and to compete favorably with other continents of the world. Apart from achieving freedom for the continent, the Union has not been able to protect the rights of its teaming populace as encapsulated in the African Charter. This has generated series of violent conflicts across the continent thereby obstructing the desired political and economic integration for over half a century. The researcher utilized the normative method of analysis to describe the state of human rights in Africa and the role the AU has played in the protection of these rights. It was observed that human rights in Africa have been so violated, as most of the political leaders have perpetuated their stay in power against the will of the people. Thus, the dissatisfied citizens have responded by not only disrespecting the state but by rather taking up arms against it, as is witnessed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Nigeria, etc.  Finally, the researcher made recommendations and then drew conclusion.