What was the primary purpose of the OAU?

The primary purpose of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was to promote unity and cooperation among African states.

Established on 25th May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was a continental organisation that aimed to unite the independent African states and serve as a platform for collective action. The OAU was founded by 32 independent African states, with the primary objective of promoting unity and solidarity among African nations. It sought to coordinate and intensify the cooperation of African states in order to achieve a better life for the people of Africa.

The OAU was instrumental in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, providing political and material support to liberation movements and voicing strong condemnation of colonial rule and racial discrimination. It played a significant role in eradicating colonialism and apartheid in Africa, thereby facilitating the complete independence of Africa from colonial rule.

In addition to its political objectives, the OAU also aimed to promote economic integration among member states, as a means of fostering economic development and reducing poverty. It sought to harmonise the economic, diplomatic, and educational policies of its member states, in order to accelerate the economic growth of Africa and enhance its international standing.

The OAU also served as a forum for resolving disputes among its member states. It established mechanisms for peaceful resolution of conflicts and promoted the principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of states, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and peaceful settlement of disputes.

In 2002, the OAU was replaced by the African Union (AU), which continues to pursue the goals of promoting unity, solidarity, and cooperation among African states. The AU has expanded on the objectives of the OAU, incorporating new goals such as promoting democratic principles and institutions, protecting human rights, and fostering social development.