Mention the aims of the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U) and discuss some of its achievements.
Explanation
(a) Aims of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU):
(i) For the promotion of unity and solidarity among African states.
(ii) To work for the co-operation of African states through co-ordination of efforts to achieve a better life for the people
(iii) To work for the promotion of international co-operation, paying regards to the charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
(iv)To eradicate all traces of colonialism on African continent.
(v) To speak and present a united front when it comes to world issues
(vi)To defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of African states.
(vii) To preserve the culture and traditions of Africans.
(viii) To promote the peaceful resolution of dispute among member states through negotiation, mediation, consultation and arbitration.
(b) Some of the achievements of OAU:
(i) Settlement of disputes: Since the establishment of the organisation in 1963, the organ known as the Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration has been involved in the settlement of disputes, especially on borders between member states. For e.g. Uganda and Tanzania, Ethiopia and Somalia, etc.
(ii) Promotion of Unity: This organisation has tried to promote unity and understanding among African states.The coming together of the leaders is a way of creating the opportunity for unity.
(iii) Settlement of internal disputes: There are a good number of internal disputes, facing some countries. 0. A. U., as a body had tried to find solutions to these disputes. Tanzania would have disintegrated, but for the efforts of the organisation. Also, OAU, has played a crucial role in the settlement of Nigeria's crisis.
(iv) Eradication of colonialism: The Liberation committee, an organ of the OAU has the function of soliciting for financial and other forms of assistance to member states still under colonial rule. Some countries in southern Africa, e.g. Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, etc., formerly under white control, received financial and other help from the liberation committee.
(v) Apartheid policy: The organisation stood against the obnoxious apartheid policy of the white minority in South Africa. At the forum of U.N.O, the organisation has condemned in totality the inhuman treatment against the blacks by the white minority racist regime.
(vi) Communication link: The organisation in its effort to promote economic co-operation and integrations embarked on communication prospects in Africa. It had planned a lot of highways to link member states e.g. Mombasa - Lagos highway, the Sahara to link West and North Africa and other communication ventures.
(vii)The need for one voice: With the evolution of 0.A.U, African states now speak with one voice at the UN General Assembly.
(viii) Economic achievements: The organisation believes that the attainment of a continental economic co-operation and integration will usher in political unity and understanding among African states. As a result of this, West African Economic Community, (ECOWAS), East African Economic Community, etc., are some of the economic groupings formed by member states.
(ix) Establishment of A.D.B.: The bank (African Development Bank) has for some time succeeded in granting loans and financed some developmental projects of member states.
(x) International co-operation: As one of its aims, the OAU has worked in promoting international co-operations and peace among nations of the world. This was made possible because it worked in co-operation with other international organisations like U.N.O., Commonwealth of Nations, etc.
(xi) Enhancement of quality of lives of the people: To some extent, one can say that this was made possible as a result of the formation of some economic integration at sub-regional level e.g. ECOWAS.
(xii) Promotion of culture: OAU has helped in promoting culture in Africa. e.g. FESTAC 1977 in Nigeria.
(xiii) Creation of a forum: The Organisation of African Unity is a forum where African leaders meet to discuss issues of common interests.