An Evaluation on Organization of African Unity: Establishment, Functioning and Transformation

Abstract

The second half of the twentieth century is a significant turning point for African countries. During this period, African countries that rapidly declared their independence owing to decolonization movements established the Organization of African Unity in 1963 to liberate the entire continent and develop multidimensional cooperation among independent continental countries. This article focuses on the Organization of African Unity, the most comprehensive integration initiative on the continent at the time of its establishment. The article seeks to answer three interrelated questions: In what environment was the Organization of African Unity established? What were the organization’s primary objectives, principles, areas of cooperation, and organs? Finally, what were the successes and failures of the Organization of African Unity that led to its transformation? The article aims to reach the point that although the Organization of African Unity could not fully meet expectations for various reasons, its vision and institutions laid a remarkable basis for the African Union that would be established after it.