Flexibility arrangements in the African Union: a way out of the integration conundrum?

Abstract

The transformation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU) in 2002 was seen as a positive development in the process of continental integration in Africa. With an institutional architecture largely inspired by the European Union (EU) model, the AU was positioned to infuse new and vibrant energy into the stagnated process of achieving deeper unity. After a decade of existence, little has been achieved in terms of deepening continental integration. It is against this background that this article considers the feasibility of adopting legal frameworks for flexibility arrangements in the AU. What this implies is the establishment of legal arrangements that could enable member states with similar interests to pursue integrative objectives at a determinable and attainable pace and speed. This article examines the possibility of placing key integrative objectives such as democratic governance, trade and immigration within the context of a flexibility approach. Lessons are drawn from the operation of flexibility arrangements in the EU, Asia and regional economic communities across the African continent to further buttress the essence of this idea.

Implementing the African Security Regime through a ‘Multiple-Speed’ Approach: Challenges and Prospect

“…This factor has provided a window of opportunity for putting in place normative measures and standards for the operations of this approach. In addition, it provides an opportunity for considering how the ‘multiple-speed’ approach could also be applied to other fields and sector of regional integration in Africa (Fagbayibo 2016).…”

Nkrumahism, Agenda 2063, and the Role of Intergovernmental Institutions in Fast-tracking Continental Unity

“…One imperative element of achieving urgency is the design of policies that rely on the willingness and ability of member states that are interested in deepening integrative effort (Fagbayibo, 2016). This will require the consideration of 'double track' implementation strategies for Agenda 2063 objectives.…”

“…Put together, these two provisions open a window of opportunity for the AUC, and also PAP, to enter into strategic arrangements with member states and/or RECs that have shown the willingness to implement key goals of Agenda 2063. On issues relating to the harmonization of education, mobility, trade, and democratic governance standards, the AU should encourage willing member states and/or RECs to set up arrangements, to be superintended by the AUC, on implementation (Fagbayibo, 2016: 165–167). The role of the AUC in this regard should be to facilitate and manage the process of implementation.…”