PAN-AFRICANISM, SOVEREIGNTY, AND THE AFRICAN UNION’S DILEMMA

Research Problem: Pan-Africanism has long served as the ideological foundation for Africa’s pursuit of unity, self-determination, and collective development. The establishment of the African Union (AU) in 2002 was intended to advance this vision beyond the sovereignty-centered limitations of the Organisation of African Unity. However, the enduring tension between Pan-African ideals and the strict defense of state sovereignty continues to undermine the African Union’s capacity to deliver on its integration agenda. The central problem lies in the reluctance of member states to cede authority to supranational institutions, thereby constraining the Union’s ability to act decisively in matters of peace, security, and economic cooperation. Methods/Theory: The study adopts a qualitative, analytical methodology. Content analysis is employed to evaluate the AU's sovereignty–integration dilemma. Similarly, the research employs intergovernmentalism and neo-functionalism as theoretical frameworks. Results: Results from the research study reveals that while sovereignty protection remains dominant, incremental integration in functional areas such as trade shows potential for positive spillovers. Conclusion: The study concludes that Pan-Africanism is hindered by sovereignty but not obsolete. Key Contribution to Knowledge:    This research contributes to debates on African integration by bridging theory and practice, highlighting how sovereignty paradoxes both constrain and create opportunities for gradual functional integration within the AU framework. Recommendation: The study It recommends reconceptualising sovereignty for collective action, strengthening AU institutions, deepening economic integration, amplifying Africa’s global voice, reinvigorating Pan-African identity through citizen participation, inclusive governance, visionary leadership, and enhanced regional solidarity to address contemporary challenges and harness Africa’s collective potential for sustainable development.