African Union

In May 1963 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa Ethiopia to sign the Charter creating Africa’s first post-independence continental institution The Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united free and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnised in the OAU Charter in which the founding fathers recognized that freedom equality justice and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples and that there was a need to promote understanding among Africa’s peoples and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national Differences. The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism which centred on African socialism and promoted African unity the communal characteristic and practices of African communities and a drive to embrace Africa’s culture and common heritage.