Designating the African Union as a Public International Organization Entitled To Enjoy Certain Privileges, Exemptions, and Immunities

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In simple terms

This executive order designates the African Union as a public international organization under the International Organizations Immunities Act, granting it legal privileges, exemptions, and immunities. It also revokes the 1974 executive order that had previously designated the Organization of African Unity (the African Union's predecessor) with similar status.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 20263

Record & deadlines

Apr 13, 2005Signed
Signed by the President
Apr 18, 2005FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 70 FR 20263
Federal Register PDF

Key directives

Designate African Union as public international organization under 22 U.S.C. 288 and 288f-2
Grant privileges, exemptions, and immunities under International Organizations Immunities Act
Revoke Executive Order 11767 (1974 designation of Organization of African Unity)

Prior policy

revokeExecutive Order 11767 of February 19, 1974 (designation of Organization of African Unity as public international organization)

Related orders

What to expect

Immediate

African Union gains designated status under IOIA
EO 11767 revoked

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Ongoing legal immunity framework for AU operations in U.S. territory

Risks & tensions

Non-abridgement clause (Sec. 2) is standard boilerplate preserving other legal avenues, with no substantive tension indicated
Revocation of 1974 EO reflects institutional continuity from OAU to AU without creating legal gap
No operational or funding directives included—purely legal-status designation