50 years of OAU/AU: Revisiting the Questions of African Unity, Identity and Development

On 25 May, 1963, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established with 32 African governments signing. Among other aims, the Organization was established to promote unity and solidarity among African states, to serve as a collective voice for the continent, to coordinate and intensify cooperation among African states in order to achieve better life for the people, todefend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of African states, etc. The concern for the development, protection and projection of worthwhile African identity was arguably one aims behind the formation of the continental body. The 39 years of the OAU have been variously evaluated. While some people have credited it with some success, many critics dubbed the OAU “Dictators’ Club or Dictators’ Trade Union” that denied rather than ensured the enjoyment of human rights by African peoples.

On 9 July, 2002 it was disbanded and replaced by its successor African Union (AU). Eventhough some comparative improvements have been noted regarding the AU, so much still remains to be done toward the achievement of the goals and the yearnings of the African peoples for positive continental identity and functional unity. In 2013, the continent marks 50 years of the historic signing of the OAU charter. Amidst the fanfare of the celebrations, there abide deep feelings of despondency and disappointment of leadership across the continent. There is the need therefore to revisit the question of how far the aims of the OAU were achieve, and even more how its successor, the African Union has fared as a proposed better framework for African unity, development and African identity fundamentally.

Inquiries:
[email protected]

Date of Conference:
Arrival: Sunday, 26 May, 2013
Conference: Monday, 27 – Wednesday, 29 May, 2013
Departure: Thursday, 30 May, 2013

Conference website: