18 Questions
What was the main purpose of forming the Organization of African Unity (OAU)?
To promote unity among African countries
Which group within Africa's pre-OAU setup advocated for immediate political integration of the continent?
Casablanca group
What did the Moronvia group seek in terms of African political integration?
Gradual integration
Which principle of OAU states that no state within its membership should be under the control of another country?
Sovereignty principle
What objective of OAU aimed to protect the African continent from external threats?
Joint defense against external aggression
Which African country belonged to the Brazzaville or African and Malagasy group before the formation of OAU?
Niger Republic
What is the main function of the general secretariat of the OAU?
Implementing the decisions of the heads of state and government
Where is the headquarters of the liberation committee located?
Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
How long do members stay in office in the Commission of Mediation, Consolidation, and Arbitration?
5 years
Which commission of the OAU is responsible for promoting health, sanitation, and nutrition?
Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Commission
What was one of the main purposes of setting up the Liberation Committee in 1963?
To assist countries under colonialism to gain independence
Which entity prepares the annual report of the OAU?
General Secretariat
What is the role of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in the OAU?
Select new members and discuss issues affecting members
Who controls the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in the OAU?
A rotating chairman staying in office for one year
What is the frequency of regular meetings for the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in the OAU?
Once a year
Which organ of the OAU is responsible for approving the annual budget?
Council of Ministers
What power does the Council of Ministers have in relation to new members?
Select new members into the OAU
What is the main function of the Council of Ministers in relation to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government?
Implement decisions made by heads of state and government
Study Notes
OAU Principles
- Sovereignty: no member state should be under the control of another country
- Settlement of dispute: all member states agree to settle disputes amicably
- Equality of state: no state should dominate another state
- Non-interference: member states have faith in the policy of non-alignment and are expected to discuss and access international issues objectively
Organs of OAU
-
Assembly of Heads of State and Government:
- Highest and most powerful organ of OAU
- Made up of heads of state of member countries
- Meets once a year, but can hold extraordinary meetings in case of emergency with a two-thirds majority of members
- Controlled by a chairman who serves for one year
- Functions:
- Selects the Secretary-General
- Admits new members into the organization
- Discusses and provides solutions to problems affecting members
- Examines the activities of various OAU organs
- Has the power to amend the Charter of OAU
-
Council of Ministers:
- Consists of foreign affairs ministers of member countries
- Functions:
- Prepares the agenda for the meeting of the Heads of State and Government
- Implements the decisions of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government
- Approves the annual budget of OAU
- Recommends to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government and the Secretary-General
-
General Secretariat:
- Controlled by the Secretary-General
- Functions:
- Controls all activities of the secretariat
- Implements the decisions of the Heads of State and Government
- Supervises the activities of specialized commissions of OAU
- Prepares the annual report of OAU
-
Liberation Committee:
- Established in 1963 with headquarters in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
- Functions:
- Assists countries under colonialism to gain independence
- Provides financial assistance to members
-
Commission of Mediation, Conciliation, and Arbitration:
- Responsible for settling disputes among members
- Consists of 21 members from each state
- Members stay in office for a period of 5 years
Specialized Commissions
- Five specialized commissions were set up to promote OAU, including:
- Educational and Cultural Commission
- Economic and Social Commission
- Health, Sanitation, and Nutrition Commission
- Scientific and Research Commission
Advantages/Achievements of OAU
- Held several meetings
- Helped settle disputes among members
- Helped establish the ADG Organization of African Unity
Formation of OAU
- OAU was formed on May 25, 1963, at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Formed to unite all African countries
- Three blocks of groups existed before the formation of OAU, but they did not achieve unity:
- Casablanca group (radical group calling for immediate political integration of Africa)
- Brazzaville or African and Malagasy group
- Monrovia group (moderate group demanding gradual political integration of Africa)
Aims and Objectives of OAU
- Promote unity among the 54 countries in Africa
- Ensure good living standards of African people
- Jointly and cooperatively defend the African continent against external aggression
- Eradicate all kinds of colonialism from the African continent
- Cooperate with other international organizations to promote international peace
Learn about the formation of the Organization of African Union (OAU) on May 25th, 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Discover the different groups that existed before the OAU was formed, including the Casablanca group and the Brazzaville or African and Malagasy group.
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