African Union and OAU Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)?

To maintain colonial governance over African nations

To foster cooperation among African states (correct)

To promote economic development solely in Western Africa

To encourage ethnic divisions among African peoples

What philosophy guided the founding of the OAU?

Capitalism

Social Darwinism

Neo-colonialism

Pan-Africanism (correct)

In what year was the Organisation of African Unity officially launched?

2002 (correct)

1999

1975

1963

Which of the following was NOT one of the main objectives of the OAU?

To impose a single African government Signup and view all the answers

What significant event took place in May 1963 concerning African unity?

The signing of the OAU Charter Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is emphasized by the guiding philosophy of African socialism?

Community-oriented practices Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the strategies utilized by the OAU to support liberation from colonialism?

Securing international consensus on liberation struggles Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the founding fathers' vision for Africa as outlined in the OAU Charter?

A united Africa focused on freedom and equality Signup and view all the answers

What was the main purpose of the Sirte Declaration issued on 9.9.1999?

To call for the establishment of the African Union Signup and view all the answers

When was the African Union officially launched?

July 2002 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organs does NOT form part of the principal decision-making structure of the AU?

The Economic and Social Council Signup and view all the answers

What strategic framework was developed for long-term socio-economic transformation in Africa?

Agenda 2063 Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the aims of the African Union as stated in its Constitutive Act?

To promote economic integration among African nations Signup and view all the answers

Which body within the AU handles judicial matters and human rights issues?

The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key focus of the Organisation of African Unity before the establishment of the AU?

Addressing the issues of decolonization and apartheid Signup and view all the answers

What is the vision of the African Union?

To build an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a continental financial institution being established by the AU?

The African Development Bank Signup and view all the answers

What role do the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) play in the African Union?

They are key bodies that support the AU's objectives Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

African Union (AU)

The AU is a continental body comprising 55 African member states.
It succeeded the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 2002.

Organisation of African Unity (OAU)

Founded in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Comprised 32 independent African states.
Goals included ending colonialism and apartheid, promoting unity and cooperation, safeguarding sovereignty, and fostering international cooperation.
Pan-Africanism formed the guiding philosophy emphasizing African socialism, unity, culture, and common heritage.
The OAU worked through the Coordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa to gain international support for liberation struggles.
The OAU provided a platform for coordinated positions on continental issues in international forums.
The Sirte Declaration (1999) called for the establishment of the AU.

African Union (AU) Launch

Officially launched in July 2002 in Durban, South Africa.
Followed the OAU's 1999 decision to create the AU.
The shift in focus was away from anti-colonialism and anti-apartheid towards increased cooperation and integration.
The AU's vision is to create an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.

AU Aims and Structure

The AU's aims are outlined in the Constitutive Act and amendment protocols.
Key decision-making organs include the Assembly of Heads of State, Executive Council, Permanent Representatives Committee, Specialised Technical Committees, Peace and Security Council, and the African Union Commission.
The AU promotes citizen and civil society participation through the Pan-African Parliament and the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC).
Judicial and legal bodies include the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, AU Commission on International Law, AU Advisory Board on Corruption, and the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.
The AU aims for continental financial institutions: African Central Bank, African Investment Bank, and African Monetary Fund.
Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and the African Peer Review Mechanism are also part of the structure.

Agenda 2063

Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for Africa's long-term socio-economic and integrative transformation.
It emphasizes greater collaboration and support for African-led initiatives.

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Description

This quiz explores the formation and impact of the African Union (AU) and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU). Learn about their origins, goals, and the transition from the OAU to the AU. Test your knowledge on the key events and philosophies guiding these pivotal African organizations.