The year 2023 marks the diamond jubilee since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), known as the African Union (AU). It was founded in Addis Ababa by visionary founders that include Pres. Kwame Nkrumah and Emperor Haile Selassie. It aimed at bringing about political change in African states and restore the dignity of people, who endured long suffering under colonial subjugation and disenfranchisement. Their vision encompassed a united Africa, free from oppression, governed by self-determination, and destined for prosperity.
Over time, the OAU transformed into the AU with the intention of accelerating the dream of African unity and eradicating the social, political, and economic challenges that had begun to define African states. Pan-Africanism emerged as a beacon of hope, inspiring many who understood its significance at the organisation’s inception.
As we reflect on the ideals cherished by the founding fathers and reaffirmed by their successors in 2002, it is crucial to contemplate four of the seventeen aims articulated during the launch of the AU in Durban.
Firstly, the AU aims to achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and their people. In pursuit of this goal, notable actions have been taken, such as the establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) to maintain peace in conflict zones such as Mali, Sudan, Somalia, and the Central African Republic.
Responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, the AU set up the Africa Medical Supplies Platform (AMSP) to facilitate the procurement and distribution of medical equipment and supplies throughout the continent. However, most of the other intentions under this aim lack a concrete plan of action and sufficient funding is hampering progress.
Secondly, the AU pledged to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member states. One cannot forget the adoption of Resolution 1973 by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), which authorised national governments or regional organisations to impose a no-fly zone in Libya, ultimately leading to the assassination of Col Muammar Gaddafi. Gadhafi’s pivotal role in the AU formation include declaring his vision for the United States of Africa with a single government and one currency. Surprisingly, three AU member states – South Africa, Nigeria, and Gabon – voted in favour of this resolution. Their actions raised doubts about their commitment to defending the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of the AU.
Africa, a continent with immense potential for growth and development, faces a harsh reality that cannot be ignored. Its burgeoning population holds great promise for contributing significantly to its advancement. Additionally, Africa is blessed with abundant mineral resources, the prudent management of which could sustain the developmental aspirations of its people.
With enormous potential to foster growth and development and to compete on a global scale, regrettably, the continent fails to harness this potential, leaving the dream of African prosperity, initially envisioned by the founders of the OAU (AU) and their successors, frustratingly out of reach.
Dr Mpumelelo Ncube, academic head and senior lecturer at the Department of Social Work, University of the Free State (UFS).
