The African Union (AU) is currently convening its annual summit in Ethiopia, an event shadowed by significant crises impacting the continent. With various countries facing genocide, insurgencies, and political instability, there are growing concerns regarding the AU's effectiveness in addressing these pressing issues. The summit occurs against a backdrop of frustration among member states who often find themselves on opposing sides of conflicts, complicating the organization's ability to take unified action.

Despite being established in 2002 and comprising 55 member states, the AU struggles with a lack of enforcement power and adequate funding. Proposals to grant the AU more authority have repeatedly been blocked by member states who are wary of losing control. Currently, the AU relies on external funding for 64% of its budget, primarily from the United States and European Union, which are both pulling back their financial support. This financial dependency has contributed significantly to the AU's inability to respond effectively to crises on the continent, leading to criticism that the organization is not living up to its founding principles.

As the summit unfolds, the chairman of the AU, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has expressed 'deep concern' about the ongoing turmoil across Africa. However, many observers question whether the discussions at the summit will lead to actionable outcomes that can alleviate the continent's myriad challenges. The situation poses critical implications for the AU's legitimacy and its future role in promoting peace and stability across Africa, drawing attention to the need for reform and greater self-reliance within the organization.