| Organization for African  Unity
 |
These purposes and principles are stated in OAU constituve charter
adopted in 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Purpose of the Organization:
The OAU objectives are stated in Article II of the CHARTER as follows
1. to promote the unity and solidarity of the African States;
2. to co-ordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to
achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa;
3. to defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and
independence;
4. to eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa; and
5. to promote international cooperation, having due regard to the
Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights.
To achieve these goals Member States pledged themselves to
harmonize their policies in the foolowing fields.
1. Political and diplomatic cooperation;
2. economic cooperation, including transport and communication;
3. educational and cultural cooperation;
4. health, sanitation, and nutritional cooperation;
5. scientific and technical cooperation; and
6. cooperation for defence and security.
To achieve theses purposes, seven fundamental principles are stated that
should preside over their attainment:
Principles:
The OAU principles are stated in Article II of the CHARTER as follows
1 .the sovereign equality of all Mernber States;
2. non- interference in the internal affairs of States;
3. respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each
State and for its inalienable right to independent existence;
4. peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, mediation,
conciliation or arbitration;
5. unreserved condemnation in all its forms, of political
assassination as well as of subversive activities on the part of
neighbouring States or any other States;
6. absolute dedication to the total emancipation of the African
territories which are still dependent;
7. affirmation of a policy of non-alignment with regard to ail
blocs.
In proclaiming OAU principles and objectives, the Founding Fathers of
the Organization envisaged clearly a unity "that transcends ethnics and
national différences."
return to main page