The Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) is designed to serve as a catalyst to facilitate the involvement of African peoples in the continent and the Diaspora in the affairs of the African Union. Its commitment is to ensure that the AU represents not only African governments, but also the people of Africa. Its overall mission is to devise practical policies through the engagement of all elements of African communities, namely civil society and the African Diaspora, in the development and support of AU activities, decision-making processes, policy programmes, institutions, organs and overall goals. As part of its mandate, CIDO serves as AU’s official liaison office for all non-state actors i.e. Civil Society, Faith Organizations, Trade Union, etc. from Africa or the African Diaspora that wish to interact with the African Union Commission.