BY EPHREM ANDARGCHEW
In order to aid African liberation movements and mediate border disputes and civil wars, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded in 1963. Additionally, it seeks to strengthen ties between nations, encourage cooperation, end all forms of colonialism, and advance global cooperation through international accords.
As a result, the OAU was crucial to the freedom of African governments but was unable to guarantee long-term stability, progress, and peace on the continent. The African Union (AU) was established in 2002 as a result of the OAU’s transformation, with the goal of fostering “an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.”
By the same token, the AU wanted to achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and the people, defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states, and accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
Besides, it aspires to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent; promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation, and good governance; and promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in accordance with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant human rights instruments. Nevertheless, either OAU or AU couldn’t achieve their objectives. It is also difficult for OAU/AU to bring peace and stability to the continent.
Hence, it is the right time to ask why Africa has been facing complex and similar problems after more than 60 years of independence. Why the quest for peace, stability, development, and prosperity is becoming a mounting problem on the continent. Scholars in the field have stated that the establishment of the OAU/AU in 1963 contributes to the independence and mutual respect of African countries by reducing the intervention of foreign countries. However, after 60 years of its establishment, the organization faces similar challenges to achieve the aim of its founding fathers.
Many Scholars could agree that Africa is still in trouble despite the bloc’s 60th years of existence due to several factors that include, but not limited to, absence of commitment to bringing women to leadership positions, building the youths’ capacity, avoiding conflict, instability, civil war, and socio-economic backwardness. The imposition of Neo-colonization, absence of inter-African trade, poor internet connection for modern and digital marketing, lack of commitment to pay membership contributions, and long and complex bureaucracy, having conflicting internal and foreign policy among others are defies for Africa.
OAU/AU is exposed to internal and external challenges such as proxy wars, foreign interference, exported and home-growing extremism, unemployment, and dependent on external donors and funding. Migration is also another bottleneck that refrain African youths not to use their talent, energy, creativity, and potential. It hinders the youth not to foster unity and solidarity among Africans. Similarly, the absence of continental policy independence has made the OAU/AU to face the same problems including food insecurity, health, and sustainable development.
Furthermore, OAU/AU is in problem due to lack of genuine commitment to solving the political and economic inequality, promoting and encouraging local, intra, and inter-trade, non or little attention to indigenous conflict resolution mechanisms, and undermining democratic values and systems which are indispensable for the prevalence of peace, development, building democracy, and equality. Member states also do not acknowledge the existing diversity and promote South-South cooperation. They also perceived each other as strangers and closed borders and block the free movement of African people.
In fact, Africa has faced the same problems after 60 years of independence. Hence, it is vital to follow alternative peace and development paths that help Africans to understand the main essence of OAU/AU for brotherhood and collaboration among Africans and African descent. The full exploitation of the gifted arable land, gold, diamonds, and other natural resources should also be a priority for member nations.
By cooperating on matters including shared challenges, bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, and military cooperation, they must demonstrate their fidelity to the ideals and goals of Agenda 2063. Additionally, given how crucial it is for the sovereignty and integrity of the continent, they should continue to press for a seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). To achieve the true objectives of African forefathers, share resources, and find solutions to the continent’s persistent issues after more than 60 years of existence, their devotion is essential.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 2 JUNE 2023
