The Africa Governance Report RECs are regarded as instrumental in the efforts, through regional development and integration, to achieve the continental goals of the AU. They are part of African Peace and Security Architecture initiatives, in collaboration with Regional Mechanisms. The AU has officially recognized eight RECs. These are the: Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), East African Community (EAC), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 2.3.3 African Union Structures At Continental level, the principal governance bodies of the AU are: (i) the Assembly of the Union, (ii) Executive Council, (iii) Peace and Security Council, (iv) Pan-African Parliament, (iv) Legal organs, (v) AU Commission, (vi) Permanent Representatives Committee (vii) Specialised Technical Committees, (viii) Economic, Social and Cultural Council, and the African Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Page 29 of 96