Africa Update on 50 Years of Africa Unity

Story & Picture Courtesy: Africa Update, June 2013 Issue
Office of Representative Karen Bass, Ranking Member
Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Affairs & Human Rights

On May 25, 2013, in Addis Ababa, heads of state and representatives from 54 African nations gathered to celebrate 50 years of efforts by African nations to reclaim their independence and to work toward a prosperous future for all of Africa’s people.

The Organization of African Unity, the predecessor to the African Union, was established in May 1963 with the specific aim to promote the unity and solidarity of African States; coordinate and intensify their efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa; defend their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence; eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa; and promote international cooperation.

The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded in the midst of decolonization struggles of the 1960s and supported liberation movements in their efforts to end foreign domination and apartheid. Through these efforts, the OAU successfully guided African nations through the process of achieving self-determination. The first 50 years, the organization focused on fostering solidarity and regional political integration.

Looking ahead, the Africa Union under the leadership of Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma now sets a target of a century of Africa’s renaissance – a period of growth, peace, stability, and development. AU leaders believe this renaissance will be achieved by modernizing infrastructure, increasing economic integration, and empowering youth and women. In her opening address to the delegates to Addis Ababa, Dr. Dlamini-Zuma stated that an imperative part of the renaissance is reclaiming the “African narrative—the narrative of our past, present and future—and to tell our own stories.”