Africa Day went largely unnoticed by much of the world, but it marked an important event in the history of the Continent. Thirty-nine years ago, on May 25, 1963, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was born and when the 53 Member-States eventually work out their differences, Africa may reach her full potential to become a leading participant in the global economy.
“This year’s commemoration occurs at a crucial juncture”, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan commented on the anniversary. “African leaders have launched the African Union, a grand project of integration with the potential to provide the framework, tools and common purpose needed for the continent to achieve its goals. Another dynamic initiative –- the New Partnership for Africa’s Development -– (NEPAD) is taking shape. Indeed, the struggle for democracy, development, human rights and good governance in Africa may well be reaching what has been called a ‘tipping point.’”
The Organisation of African Unity, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, includes all but one of Africa’s 54 countries. Morocco withdrew in 1985, in protest against the admission of the disputed Western Sahara in 1984.
The purpose of the OAU is to promote solidarity among all African nation-states, while improving general living standards. The organisation also seeks to promote international cooperation, while defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its members.
“This year’s commemoration occurs at a crucial juncture”, U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan commented on the anniversary. “African leaders have launched the African Union, a grand project of integration with the potential to provide the framework, tools and common purpose needed for the continent to achieve its goals. Another dynamic initiative –- the New Partnership for Africa’s Development -– (NEPAD) is taking shape. Indeed, the struggle for democracy, development, human rights and good governance in Africa may well be reaching what has been called a ‘tipping point.’”
The Organisation of African Unity, based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, includes all but one of Africa’s 54 countries. Morocco withdrew in 1985, in protest against the admission of the disputed Western Sahara in 1984.
The purpose of the OAU is to promote solidarity among all African nation-states, while improving general living standards. The organisation also seeks to promote international cooperation, while defending the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its members.