Ethiopia has always been a positive player when it comes to continental issues before and since the establishment of the Organization for African Unity (OAU).
The country was a beacon of hope for Africans and people of African descent around the world. Since the Victory of Adwa, Ethiopia is seen as an inspiration of independence for African countries. That is why, following independence, many African nations adopted the colors of Ethiopia’s flag.
This is also the case when it comes to the OAU. At the start, the major aim of the organization was boldly clear. It was first and foremost dedicated to the eradication of all forms of colonialism and suppression as there were several states that had not yet won their independence.
African leaders at the time proposed that in order to free the continent from the yoke of colonialism, the OAU should defend the interests of independent countries and help to pursue the independence those of still-colonized ones.
But the OAU had to pass an obstacle in order to achieve its ambition. In their bid to pursue unity of the continent, African leaders at the time could not come to agreement on the way forward. And two groups with different perspectives emerged: the Casablanca bloc and the Monrovia bloc. The first go for federation of all African countries while the latter felt unity should be achieved gradually, through economic cooperation.
It was at this critical juncture that Ethiopia’s Emperor, Haile Selassie I, who played a key role in resolving the difference, came into the picture. He invited the two groups for talks to Addis Ababa, where the OAU and
its headquarters were subsequently established.
It would be hypocritical to claim that the organization achieved all its aims, for instance ensuring that all Africans enjoyed human rights, and settling disputes between members peacefully. But whatever the case, Ethiopia’s contribution in achieving its priority aim for independence was momentous. The country provided multifaceted support – ranging from diplomatic to material – for those who were struggling to gain their independence.
Ethiopia’s role during the establishment of the organization and as it transformed into the African Union was huge. Even at the time when the country faced internal problems, it has never compromised the African issue.
Ethiopia has successfully participated in many peacekeeping missions; it is also open to receive millions of refugees from its neighbors; it has also been a loyal advocate of diplomatic negotiations to deal with disagreements.
In addition to being the headquarters of the AU, Addis Ababa is also the home of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the United Nation Economic Commission for Africa, the African Aviation HQ, African Standby Force and many other global NGOs focused on Africa.
Similar to the founding fathers, the new generation of Ethiopian leaders are also carrying on the tradition: prioritizing the African issue. This particularly manifested in Ethiopia’s commitment for regional peace and stability as well as economic integration.
The Ethiopian Herald February 14 /2019
