African Union

In May 1963, 32 Heads of independent African States met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to sign the Charter creating Africäs first post-independence continental institution, The Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The OAU was the manifestation of the pan-African vision for an Africa that was united, free and in control of its own destiny and this was solemnised in the OAU Charter, in which the founding fathers recognized that freedom, equality, justice and dignity were essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples and that there was a need to promote understanding among Africäs peoples and foster cooperation among African states in response to the aspirations of Africans for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national Differences. The guiding philosophy was that of Pan-Africanism, which centred on African socialism and promoted African unity, the communal characteristic and practices of African communities, and a drive to embrace Africäs culture and common heritage.