The African Union and Loyola University Chicago sign milestone Memorandum of Understanding to build capacity within the African Union

WASHINGTON, DC – USA – 24 October 2014: the African Union and Loyola University Chicago signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that signifies a multi-year program of cooperation designed to build capacity within the African Union, its Member States, and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to strengthen governance and the rule of law.

Under the MOU, Loyola will partner the AU to train and educate the staff of the AU, RECS and AU Member States to strengthen their capacity to advance the rule of law throughout the region, an effort to be driven by African rule of law leaders and represent a dynamic force for change.

Prof. Vincent Nmehielle, the AU Legal Counsel and Prof. David Yellen, Dean of the School of Law at Loyola University Chicago, signed the MOU on 24 October 2014 at the AU Representational Mission to the United States of America in Washington, DC, in the presence of Amb. Amina Salum Ali, the AU representative to the US and senior staff of the office, representatives of Loyola University; the US State Department, the African diplomatic corps; the World Bank, and other invited guests.

Reinforcing Loyola’s commitment to peace and justice, the School of Law offers an innovative Master of Laws (LLM) in Rule of Law for Development. Launched in 2011, this unique program called PROLAW, provides training to advance social justice across the globe through effective, sustainable governance, and strengthening of the rule of law. PROLAW is organized at Loyola University’s Chicago John Felice Rome Center in Italy.

Under the terms of the MOU, selected staff and employees of the AU, officials of AU Member States and staff of the RECS will attend PROLAW’s one-year, degree-granting program. Upon graduation, individuals will return to their home countries or respective organizations to assume the task of strengthening governance and the rule of law. In addition, Loyola will implement bi-annual, complementary seminars and workshops at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to further the development of AU staff. The program of cooperation is expected to educate more than 100 rule of law professionals over the next three years. The U.S. Department of State has played a key role in supporting the work outlined in the agreement.

For more information, visit http://www.au.int

About the African Union

The African Union spearheads Africa’s development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peacewith itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable,efficient and responsive Commission. Learn more at: http://www.au.int/en/