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From the OAU to the African Union: A History of Africa’s Continental Organisation

As the African Union marks 24 years since its launch, its history reflects Africa’s transition from a focus on decolonisation and liberation struggles toward continental cooperation and integration.

By Angelle Nforba

From the OAU to the African Union: A History of Africa’s Continental Organisation

The African Union has marked the historical anniversary of the process that led to the creation of the continental organisation.

The foundation was laid by the Sirte Declaration of September 9, 1999, adopted by African leaders in Libya. The African Union was subsequently launched at the Durban Summit in South Africa in 2002, replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

The OAU had been established in 1963, with a major focus on African unity, decolonisation and the struggle against apartheid. With many African countries having achieved independence, leaders later sought a structure that would place greater emphasis on economic integration, cooperation and continental development.

The creation of the African Union therefore represented an important transition in the institutional history of modern Africa.

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