The African Union is unable to play its role on the global political scene very well due to the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks why the African Union (AU) struggles to play a strong role in global politics. We need a cause that directly affects the AU's ability to act as a united political body.

Step 2: Explain the concept The AU is an organization of 55 member states. Its strength on the world stage depends on unity of purpose: speaking with one voice, taking common positions, and acting together. When members have different interests, alliances, and loyalties, the AU cannot act decisively.

Examples:

• Some members are closely tied to former colonial powers (e.g., Francophone and Anglophone blocs) and to major powers like the USA, China, and Russia.
• Members have often disagreed on issues such as the Libya crisis (2011), the ICC, and the Western Sahara question.
• Strong attachment to national sovereignty makes states unwilling to surrender authority to the AU.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

• A. Inadequate system of education: This is a national development issue and does not directly determine how the AU acts politically.
• B. Low level of wages: This is an economic matter for individual countries and is not a direct cause of the AU's political weakness.
• C. Outbreak of pandemic: Pandemics are occasional and temporary. They do not explain the AU's general, ongoing difficulty.
• D. Divided loyalty among member states: This is correct. Conflicting national interests and external allegiances weaken collective decision-making and a common AU position.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is **D. divided loyalty among member states.

Exam tip: For Government questions on weaknesses of international organizations (AU, ECOWAS, UN), the usual cause is lack of unity, conflicting national interests, or insufficient funding. Look for the option about member states' cooperation or loyalty, as the other options are usually general social or economic problems.