ABSTRACT
The establishment of the African Union (AU) in 2002, to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which had proven too weak, unresponsive and incapable of addressing contemporary African problems, especially the abuses inflicted by the continent's dictators on their people, appears to have marked a new phase in the political arrangements of the region. The establishment of the AU raised hopes that it may be a significant actor in helping to arrest – and even reverse – the faltering democratic transitions and growing threats of authoritarian resurgence in Africa. Perhaps the most significant, and certainly unexpected, development that came with the creation of the AU is the special mandate it was given to promote democracy and good governance. Coming from the very leaders who, individually and collectively, have in many respects been responsible for wrecking their countries' economies and suppressing the people for so many years, there were reasons for scepticism. 1
