Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. From the Pan-Africanist movement to the African Union -- Bri ef historical overview of steps to African unity / Mohammed Bedjaoui -- The transition from the organisation of African unity to the African U nion / Tiyanjana Maluwa -- The African Union : principles and purposes / Stephane Doumbe-Bille -- Part II. Structure and organs of the African Union -- The assembly, executive council and commission / Joram M. Bis waro -- The Pan-African Parliament / Sani L. Mohamed -- The African Cou rt of Justice and Human Rights / Fatsah Ouguergouz -- The Peace and Sec urity Council / Roland Adjovi -- The Economic, Social and Cultural Coun cil of the African Union / Mohamed S. Amr -- Part III. Economic integra tion, development and good governance -- The African Economic Community / Makane M. Mbengue & Ousseni Illy -- The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) / Edward Kannyo -- The regional economic communiti es / Stephen Karangizi -- The prohibition of unconstitutional change of government / Muna Ndulo -- The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance / Helene Tigroudja -- The African Convention on the Pre vention and Combating of Corruption / Mpazi Sinjela.

Part IV. Peace and security -- The role of the Union in conflict pre vention and resolution / Mesmer L. Gueuyou -- The right of forcible int ervention in certain conflicts / Abdulqawi A. Yusuf -- Peacekeeping ope rations : the examples of Burundi and Sudan / Mutoy Mubiala -- The Afri can Union's relationship with the United Nations in the maintenance of peace and security / Djaboca L. Tehindrazanarivelo -- The African Chart er on Human and Peoples' Rights / Michelo Hansungule -- The Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa / Rachel Mayanja -- The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child / Chris M. Peter & Ummy A. Mwali mu -- The Convention governing the specific aspects of refugee problems in Africa / Osita C. Eze.