The African Union (AU) is a continental organization consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. It was established on May 26, 2001, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and officially launched on July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa, succeeding the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The AU’s objectives include promoting unity and solidarity among African nations, defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, and fostering economic integration and development across the continent.