IntroductionHuman security is a key concept in the modern political arena. For some, human security is perhaps best described as ongoing human development (Naidoo 2001: 7). Booth explains that it is sometimes the very state in which people live that poses a threat to their security, rather than other states that wage wars and create conflicts (as cited by Naidoo 2001: 2). This leads to states being challenged in terms of their effectiveness and adequacy in meeting the needs of their population to ensure their security, whether it is a matter of life and death or development and d supply (Naidoo 2001: 2). Tieku (2007) connects the term, human security, with the institution, the African Union. The African Union (AU) was officially launched on May 26, 2001 (Tieku 2007: 27). The AU is a regional organization that has several functions (which will be discussed later), including human security (Turner 2013: 58). Tieku (2007:27) focuses on how the African Union puts human security on its agenda and improves human security across Africa. Tieku (2007:27) also examines the effect and importance of Pan-Africanism and leadership within the AU on human security. Research theme and main theoretical perspective This article by Tieku (2007: 26) focuses on human security. Human security revolves around the safety of humans and the safeguarding of their communities, focusing on their protection and not so much on the state in which they live (Tieku 2007: 27). It is the idea of ​​security, centered on humanity, which is placed above all other concepts of security (Bajpai 2013: 1). The research theme is the main stated 'problem' which is taken up and developed, this is described by Leedy & Ormrod (2014:31) as the heart of the research...... middle of article..... . J. Pretoria, South Africa: Institute for Security Studies. Obasanjo, O. 1988. Africa in the World Today. In Africa in the World Today and the Challenges of Leadership, edited by Obasanjo, O. & Babangida, IB Nigeria: Ota.Oxfam. 2012. African Union Compendium. Internet: http://www.slashdocs.com/nvrnn/african-union-compendium-oxfam-international-july-2012.html. Accessed: April 5, 2014. Payne, RA 2004. Human security and American foreign policy. Human Security in the New Millennium, (March):1-22. Saheed, A. 2001. Blackpast.org. Internet: http://www.blackpast.org/perspectives/pan-african-congresses-1900-1945. Accessed: April 4, 2014. Tieku, KT 2007. Promotion of human security by the African Union in Africa. African Security Review, 16.2: 26-37. Turnbull, J. 2010. Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary: International Student Edition. New York: Oxford University Press.