Monograph 140: Towards a Union Government for Africa, Challenges and Opportunities, edited by Timothy Murithi
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is an independent and
non-profit applied policy research organisation with a focus on human
security in Africa. Its mission is to conceptualise, inform and enhance
the security debate on the continent and internationally. The ISS has
offices in Addis Ababa, Cape Town, Nairobi and Pretoria. It recognises
that conflict prevention and peace-building are fundamental principles
of the African peace and security agenda. Efforts to anticipate and
resolve disputes are intrinsic components of this agenda and the ISS
Direct Conflict Prevention Programme(DCP), in Addis Ababa, was
established to enhance conflict prevention strategies. The DCP also
strives to contribute to policy development on continental integration
and this monograph is a contribution to that objective.
Prior to the 9th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State
and Government, held in Accra, Ghana, from 1 to 3 July 2007, the DCP
commissioned and undertook thematic studies on issues pertaining to the
‘Grand Debate on Union Government’. Eight policy-oriented research
papers were produced to influence policy debates and consultations on a
Union Government for Africa. On 27 July 2007 the DCP launched these
papers at a seminar entitled ‘Towards the United States of Africa?’
held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, Ghana. At the conclusion of the 9th
Ordinary Session the AU Assembly issued the Accra Declaration. The ISS
DCP subsequently commissioned additional papers to assess the issues
outlined by the Accra Declaration. These papers were presented at a
two-day seminar entitled ‘Towards a Union Government of Africa:
Challenges and opportunities’,held at the Hilton Hotel in Addis Ababa
on 11 and 12 October 2007. Following the deliberations at the seminar,
the authors edited their papers, which have now been compiled into this
monograph.
As part of the ISS mandate to develop policy-relevant research, this
monograph addresses the proposals and recommendations stipulated in the
Accra Declaration. This involves identifying the areas on which
African countries, regional economic communities (RECs), civil society
and the AU should focus in order to lay the foundation for the
formation of a Union Government.
This text provides a valuable resource in terms of advancing
understanding of the challenges and opportunities of continental
integration in Africa. It will also be made available on our website
(www.issafrica.org) for consultation by AU officials, AU member states
and policy-makers, as well as other educational, training and policy
institutions. I hope that this publication will prove to be useful and
stimulating to its readers.
Kenneth Mpyisi
Director, ISS Addis Ababa Office
Programme Head, Direct Conflict Prevention Programme
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
