Examine the impact of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU) up to 2000.

Candidates will consider the impact of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and the African Union (AU) up to 2000, uncovering any assumptions and/or interrelationships. Candidates may consider the positive and negative impacts and/or the social, political and economic effects of the two organizations. They may refer to the role and success of the two organisations in respect to conflict resolution and peacekeeping, as well as their efforts to promote social and economic development on the continent. They may also focus on factors that inhibited the success of the two organisations, including corruption and other economic problems, external interference, and rivalries between member states. Reference may be made to the decision to disband the OAU, which some may interpret as a recognition of failure, and create a new African Union. Specific examples of countries that may be the focus of the response include Somalia, South Africa and Mozambique. Candidates may note that the AU was founded only at the end of the period.