About Committees

The African Union (AU) Summit operates with a range of committees that assist in addressing various thematic and technical issues, contributing to decision-making processes, and providing expertise. Here are key committees under the AU Summit and their functions:

1. Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC)

  • Prepares for the meetings of the Executive Council and AU Summit.
  • Ensures the implementation of decisions from the Executive Council and the Assembly.
  • Supervises the work of the African Union Commission (AUC) on behalf of the Executive Council.
  • Monitors the AU budget and financial matters.

2. Executive Council

  • Coordinates and decides on policies of common interest to member states.
  • Considers and approves proposals submitted by the AU Commission or other AU organs.
  • Prepares agenda items for the Assembly (AU Summit) and ensures the implementation of the Assembly’s decisions.
  • Oversees issues related to external relations, cooperation, and partnerships.

3. Committee of Twelve on Candidatures

  • Assesses and endorses AU candidatures to international bodies and organizations.
  • Coordinates Africa’s representation and influence in global forums and decision-making processes.

4. Peace and Security CouncilÂ

  • Responsible for maintaining peace and security across the continent.
  • Conducts conflict prevention, peace-building, and peacekeeping operations.
  • Oversees military interventions in member states in cases of unconstitutional changes in government or humanitarian crises.
  • Monitors arms control, disarmament, and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives.

5. African Union Commission (AUC)

  • The Secretariat of the AU, responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly and Executive Council.
  • Coordinates policies and strategies across various sectors like health, education, infrastructure, and human rights.
  • Provides technical and logistical support for AU organs.
  • Engages with international partners to promote Africa’s interests.

6. Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC)

  • Promotes and coordinates African responses to climate change issues.
  • Engages in global climate negotiations to defend Africa’s interests.
  • Supports the implementation of the Paris Agreement and other climate-related initiatives.

7. Committee of Ten on UN Security Council Reform (C10)

  • Advocates for the reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa is better represented.
  • Coordinates and harmonizes Africa’s approach to the global debate on UN reforms.
  • Pushes for two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa in the reformed Security Council.

8. Specialized Technical Committees (STCs)

  • Implement policies and programs in specific technical sectors.
  • Harmonize AU member state policies in areas such as agriculture, industry, finance, trade, and infrastructure.
  • Facilitate collaboration and monitoring of sectoral progress across the continent.
  • Ensure that national policies align with continental frameworks and strategies (e.g., the AU Agenda 2063).

9. Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Nutrition and Food Security

  • Coordinates AU policies and efforts aimed at eradicating hunger and improving food security in Africa.
  • Provides leadership in tackling nutrition challenges and malnutrition.
  • Engages with partners to mobilize resources for food and nutrition security.

10. African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) Committee

  • Monitors governance and development in member states through self-assessment.
  • Reviews the progress made in areas like political, economic, and corporate governance.
  • Provides policy recommendations to enhance governance standards across Africa.

11. Pan-African Parliament (PAP)

  • Serves as an advisory and consultative body of the AU.
  • Promotes legislative harmonization across member states.
  • Facilitates dialogue and consensus-building on key African issues like development, human rights, and integration.

The Rules of Procedure for the AU Summit typically govern the organization, conduct, and decision-making process of the meetings. These rules ensure order, transparency, and effectiveness during the summit. While the exact details may vary slightly over time, the general outline includes the following key components:

1. Composition

  • The Summit comprises Heads of State and Government or their duly accredited representatives.
  • The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) and other AU officials also attend.

2. Frequency and Venue

  • The Summit is held at least twice a year (Ordinary Sessions) and can be convened in Extraordinary Sessions as necessary.

3. Chairperson of the Summit

  • The Chairperson is responsible for guiding discussions and ensuring adherence to the rules of procedure.

4. Agenda

  • The Provisional Agenda is prepared by the AU Commission and is circulated to member states before the meeting.
  • The final agenda is adopted at the opening of the session. Member States or Organs of the AU may propose additional items.

5. Quorum

  • A two-thirds majority of AU member states is required to constitute a quorum for the summit. Without a quorum, no binding decisions can be made.

6. Decision-Making Process

  • Decisions are usually made by consensus. If consensus cannot be reached, decisions are taken by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting.
  • Procedural matters may be decided by a simple majority.

7. Language

  • The official languages of the AU Summit are English, French,. Interpretation and translation services are provided.

8. Voting Rights

  • All member states have equal voting rights.
    Member states that are under sanctions (e.g., for unpaid dues or unconstitutional changes of government) may lose their voting privileges.

9. Committees

  • The summit may create ad hoc or standing committees to assist in various aspects of its work.
  • These committees provide reports and recommendations to the summit.

10. Observers

  • Observers from non-member states, international organizations, or other entities may be invited to attend the summit, but they do not have voting rights.

11. Reports and Resolutions

  • Reports from the AU organs, such as the AU Commission, Peace and Security Council, and others, are considered.
  • The summit can adopt resolutions, declarations, and decisions that guide the work of the AU and its organs.

12. Minutes and Records

  • The AU Summit maintains official minutes and records of its proceedings.
  • Resolutions and decisions are published and made available to the public after the summit.

13. Adjournment and Suspension

  • The Chairperson may adjourn or suspend the session if necessary. Sessions may also be adjourned for technical reasons or to allow for additional consultations on complex issues.

14. Confidentiality

  • While the proceedings may be reported on, certain discussions or deliberations may be conducted in closed sessions to protect sensitive issues.

15. Amendment of Rules

  • The Rules of Procedure can be amended by a decision of the summit, following the same decision-making process (consensus or two-thirds majority).
  • These rules help facilitate the smooth running of the AU Summit, ensuring effective participation from member states and other stakeholders while maintaining order and structure.