Question

Difficulty: MediumOrganisation of African Unity (OAU) and African Union (AU)

Which organ of the African Union is primarily responsible for coordinating continental policies and preparing decisions for approval by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government?

  1. The Executive CouncilAnswer
  2. B
    The Pan-African Parliament
  3. C
    The Peace and Security Council
  4. D
    The Economic, Social and Cultural Council

Answer

The Executive Council
The Executive Council consists of Foreign Affairs Ministers or ministers designated by member states. Its mandate is to coordinate common policies in key sectors and prepare decisions, proposals, and budget drafts for final consideration and approval by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary functions of key African Union organs.
Recognize that the Executive Council is composed of member states' foreign ministers who formulate and coordinate policies in sectors such as foreign trade, energy, and defense.
Understanding institutional roles clarifies which body acts as the preparatory engine for the supreme Assembly.
2
Distinguish the Executive Council from legislative, advisory, and specialized security organs.
The Executive Council directly prepares agenda items and decisions for the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
This establishes why it holds primary policy coordination and decision-preparation authority.

Key Concept

Functions of key institutional organs within the African Union framework
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