African Union members have decided to give its Executive Arm enhanced powers to coordinate common interest policies, but the African Authority will not be able to act internationally unless it has the mandate from Heads of State. The compromise on the Draft follows heated debate in the Closing Session in the Libyan town of Sirte.
Reports say the creation of the Authority is seen as a stepping-stone towards achieving a Federal Government for the Continent, which is the ambition of Libyan Leader Muammar al-Gaddafi.
The Africa Authority proposal has been resisted by South Africa, Nigeria among others who object to giving the Body too much power.
It aims to simplify the AU Structure and allow more control over diplomatic Trade and Defence matters. The Structure will create a President, a Vice-president and a Secretary of Peace and Security and Common Defence. Other Secretaries will replace the current’s Union’s Commissioners.
The changes to the AU are yet to be ratified by member-states who are have also agreed to discuss the financing of the plan at a later date.
