The African Union (AU) is under fire as youth anger rises over corruption and a lack of accountability. Africa hosts the world’s youngest population, with over 400 million aged 15 to 35. This number is expected to double by 2050. Yet, many youths describe the AU as “a bloc of old leaders” that ignores their needs. The AU started as a union to promote unity among African states. But analysts say it now faces a crisis of trust among the young generation. Several African countries suffer military coups, disputed elections, and protests worsened by cuts in foreign aid. Liesl Louw-Vaudran, a senior Crisis Group analyst, said, “What the youth is really asking and why people are frustrated is because this is not an African Union for citizens. It’s not a people-driven African Union.” The AU has often been blamed for backing reelected leaders even when elections were flawed. In Uganda’s January election, internet shutdowns and opposition crackdowns took place. Yet, the AU Commission initially “commended” the poll. This sparked angry reactions online with one youth saying, “Dictatorship club has spoken.” Soon after, the AU election observers did acknowledge harassment and arrests of opposition figures and media. Macharia Munene, history professor, pointed out the AU struggles with enforcing decisions. “Not all members meet their dues or fully accept what is generally decided,” he said. In Nigeria’s capital Abuja, resident Chima Ekwueme criticized the AU for ignoring leadership failures. “They are there for their own interests,” he said. Nigeria faces security and economic problems despite its wealth. “Look at how difficult things are and where is the AU?” The AU is holding its 39th summit in Addis Ababa this weekend. The theme is water and sanitation. Talks will cover climate change and responses to humanitarian crises after aid cuts from partners like the US. The summit may help realign Africa’s priorities with changing global alliances. AU Commission Chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf said, “From Sudan to the Sahel, to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in Somalia and elsewhere, our people continue to pay the heavy price of instability.” He also called to stop the “extermination of the Palestinian people.” Palestine’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa thanked Africa for its support. Critics urge the AU to focus more on Africa’s urgent problems and enforce accountability to regain youth trust.