CFP: 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.

Issues that may be discussed by presenters include:

- International Society for African Philosophy and Studies
- The state of the African Union
- Regional and Continental Integration
- Political Stability, Crisis and Failed States
- The Question of Political Leadership in Africa
- Inter-Ethnic Conflicts and Civil Wars
- China and Africa
- African Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Innovation and Development
- Security, Public Safety and Political Accountability
- Education, Politics and Concepts of Development
- Sustainable Ecosophy for Africa and the African Diaspora
- Apologies, Reparations and the Jim Crow
- Wars, Peace and Hegemony in Global Africa – MDG and Africa
- African Leadership Philosophy and Identity Construction
- Religious Fanaticism and Crisis
- African Nationalism and Pan-Africanism
- Aspects of the AU: Political, Economic, Cultural, etc.
- Colonialism and Partitioning of African State Borders
- Boundary Disputes and Border Clashes
- Migration and Citizenship
- Visa Requirements and Protocols
- Inter-African States Foreign Policies
- Union Government and United States of Africa
- Africa in the global village
- African identity in the winds of global change
- The Arab Spring and the many waves of democracy
- New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD)
- The OAU/AU and the African Diaspora
- Others

Deadline for Submission of Abstract: 15 April, 2013
Deadline for submission of completed paper: 1 May, 2013

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: