Organization of African Unity (OAU) was an association of African states. It existed from 1963 to 2002, when it was replaced by the African Union (AU). The OAU played a large role in helping end colonial and white minority rule throughout Africa. It also worked to strengthen cultural, economic, military, and scientific ties among African peoples.
The OAU was founded in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with 32 members. Its membership grew to include 52 countries and a government-in-exile. The OAU settled several boundary disputes between African states. It helped support national independence movements in countries such as Mozambique and Angola, as well as movements to end white minority control of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and South Africa. It supported ambitious programs for economic development and cooperation throughout Africa. The OAU also worked to increase Africa’s influence in world affairs.
Despite its accomplishments, the OAU experienced many problems. For example, Morocco and other countries disputed the decision to admit the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as an OAU member in 1982. The SADR is a government-in-exile that was formed by people seeking independence for Western Sahara, a territory claimed by Morocco. When the SADR took its seat in 1984, Morocco withdrew from the OAU. The organization’s other problems included the failure of many countries to pay dues on time and difficulties in coping with armed conflicts between and within countries. In addition, larger countries often pursued their own interests rather than the interests of the OAU.
In 2000, OAU leaders signed an act creating the African Union, giving it a structure similar to that of the European Union (see European Union (EU)). The African Union officially replaced the OAU in 2002. The union’s purpose is to continue the political and economic integration of Africa that was begun by the OAU.
