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Africa AFRICAN UNION.
African countries, in their quest for unity, economic
and social development under the banner of the OAU, have taken various
initiatives and made substantial progress in many areas which paved the way for
the establishment of the AU.
The main objectives of the OAU were, inter alia, to
rid the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonization and apartheid; to
promote unity and solidarity among African States; to coordinate and intensify
cooperation for development; to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Member States and to promote international cooperation within the
framework of the United Nations.
Indeed, as a continental organization the OAU provided an effective forum
that enabled all Member States to adopt coordinated positions on matters of
common concern to the continent in international fora and defend the interests
of Africa effectively.
Through the OAU Coordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa, the
Continent worked and spoke as one with undivided determination in forging an
international consensus in support of the liberation struggle and the fight
against apartheid.
The Vision of the AU
- The AU is Africa's premier institution and principal organization for
the promotion of accelerated socio-economic integration of the continent,
which will lead to greater unity and solidarity between African countries
and peoples.
- The AU is based on the common vision of a united and strong Africa and
on the need to build a partnership between governments and all segments of
civil society, in particular women, youth and the private sector, in order
to strengthen solidarity and cohesion amongst the peoples of Africa.
- As a continental organization it focuses on the promotion of peace,
security and stability on the continent as a prerequisite for the
implementation of the development and integration agenda of the Union.
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