To what extent did the structure of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) affect the achievement of its aims?

Candidates need to demonstrate knowledge of both the structure and aims of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) up until its reconstitution as the African Union (AU) in 2002. They should address how the structure has either helped or hindered the ability of the Organisation to achieve its aims. It is important that candidates do not just give an explanation of the structure and list its aims, but synthesize the two. Candidates may also discuss the specialized agencies of the OAU and illustrate how these assisted in the achievement of various aims.

Indicative content

• The main policy-making organ of the OAU was the Assembly of the Heads of States and Government. This is important because any key decisions affecting a country had to be made through this group. However, the Assembly worked most effectively when there was consensus among member states, which was rare, and it only met once a year.
• The Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution helped in dealing with security issues among member states. Peacekeeping missions had varied degrees of success. However, one of the founding principles of the OAU was that of non-interference in the affairs of member states, and this could make the task of conflict prevention and resolution difficult.
• Another aim of the OAU was to defend the sovereignty of the African states and to promote territorial integrity. Despite the intervention of outside powers in the affairs of some countries, such as in Angola, the organization was more successful in achieving these aims.
• The other aim of the OAU was to eradicate all forms of colonialism. The OAU used various methods, including sanctions, to push colonial powers to grant independence. However, the importance of the OAU in achieving decolonization is debatable.
• The OAU attempted to promote human rights through the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. However, its success in this area was limited.
• Another aim of the OAU was to settle disagreements among member states. The Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration was used successfully to settle some disputes among member states, although the opposition of some members and a lack of funding curtailed its effectiveness.
• The emergence of regional and ideological blocs within the OAU led to problems in decision making and hindered the ability of the OAU to achieve some of its key objectives, including greater political and economic unity. To support this, candidates can discuss the existence of the Brazzaville, Casablanca and Monrovia groups, which pre-dated the founding of the OAU.
• Candidates can also discuss weaknesses in the OAU Charter which made it difficult for the organisation to enforce its decisions.
• The lack of a proper financial structure weakened the OAU’s capacity to promote development on the continent.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, the list is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]