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AU Day marked

Last Saturday was marked as the African Union (AU) Day across the African continent. It also marked the 50th anniversary of the union.

In Ghana, because the holiday fell on a weekend, Monday was declared a public holiday.

The day was observed with various activities such as concerts and seminars.

The AU is a pan-African organisation which aims at promoting unity and solidarity among African countries.

The AU replaced the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) which was established on May 25, 1963.

The move to replace the OAU was headed by the late Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi, who wished to create a body similar to that of the European Union - with  emphasis on economic collaboration.

The AU was launched at the Durban Summit on July 9, 2002 with Thabo Mbeki as its Chairman.

A Pan-African Parliament was inaugurated in 2004 and a peacekeeping force set up.

The AU is made up of 54 member states.

South Sudan is the newest member state which joined on July 27, 2011.

Three member states have been suspended due to a coup d'état or political struggles. The total population of the AU is 895,800,000.

Complied by: Hadiza Nuhhu-Billa Quansah / Junior Graphic

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