Leaders re-brand Africa

The leaders of more than 40 African nations are aiming to show they are on the path to economic and political reform as they launch a new continent-wide union.

The Organisation of African Unity is being re-branded as the African Union in a fresh attempt to end war and corruption.

Politicians are holding a summit in South Africa and hope to convince the world they are making progress.

The AU will use the European Union as a model to attract foreign investment by promoting good government and human rights.

Unlike the OAU, the new body will have the right to intervene in member states in cases of war crimes and genocide but some leaders are warning that change will not come overnight.

'Run before walk'

"People were expecting us to run before we walk," said Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.

"I think people should be patient with us, bearing in mind that even the countries that are shouting at the top about being democracies, it took them time to get there."

And some delegates at the Durban conference admit that prospects for better democracy remain uncertain because a number of African leaders came to power through unconstitutional means and are opposed to transparent government.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan told leaders it would be much tougher to build the AU than its European forerunner.

"To build a successful union in such conditions will require great stamina and iron political will," Mr Annan said.