African leaders have agreed to a Libyan-driven push to transform the African Union (AU) and greatly extend its powers.
The document drafted at the AU summit of heads of states in Libya intends to simplify the AU structure and boost its power over defence, diplomatic and international trade matters.
The accord was viewed as a milestone for the build-up to what Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi has long envisioned as a federal government overseeing a "United States of Africa."
The new structure will have to resolve doubts voiced by many African leaders about unifying Africa, including concerns about national sovereignty, division of resources and power.
Most African leaders’ voice support for more unity but some of the continent's wealthier nations, led by Nigeria and South Africa, appeared to be resisting the move.
African diplomats say that there are worries the new structure could become overbearing, especially if it is led by Mr Gadhafi.
