Model African Union raises awareness of common continent goals

As costumed dancers stomped and twirled onstage, dozens of students gathered to watch the exotic dance show, organized by Model African Union (MAU) last Monday in front of the BEC platform.

“The African band’s name is Totto. They used to perform during small-cultural events but this is their first performance in Egypt,” said Mohamed El Serougy, organizing committee head of MAU.

MAU is a conference-based activity that simulates the real African Union, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

“One of the main reasons MAU is here is to let students know about the real African Union. Moreover, it’s completely new and it’s fun,” said Sarah El Dib, a computer engineering senior and coordination head of MAU.

Tara Pasic, political science senior and MAU’s public relations head, said that what set MAU apart from other organizations on campus is that “it addresses issues that have been neglected for a considerable time.”

“Take for instance, the Nile Basin conflict; it’s going to be the general theme of MAU conference next spring,” said Pasic.

MAU aims at getting students more motivated about participating in “on campus” activities and becoming more aware of the African countries common interests, projects and goals.

“AUC is not only part of Egypt and the Arab world, it’s part of Africa as well. There are many African Arabs studying on campus,” said Pasic.

MAU differs from Model of United Nations (MUN) and Model Arab League (MAL) in that it is not concerned solely with international issues, or regional and Arab related issues, but is also concerned with African relations and continent-related topics.

The organization also hosts events on campus, such as a stand-up comedy show last Thursday, and offered AUCians the chance to audition if they wish to be part of the performance.

Organizing committee heads recruitment and inauguration took place during last spring semester, and the MAU team is looking forward to delegate recruitment next spring.

“At this point, there are three academic councils; Executive Council, African Court of Justice, and the Economic, Social and Cultural Council,” said Pasic.