Africa’s Regional Integration; from Organization of African Unity (OAU) to African Union (AU)

Abstract

The transformation of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to African Union (AU) was a historical landmark of African Leaders’ intention towards integration, projecting Africa’s continental interest in the international state system and seeks for African initiative in solving African problems. This paper seeks to outline the history of Africa’s regional integration and suggest what would strengthen the operations of the African Union. The paper proceeds by examining the efforts of African Leaders towards African integration, obstacles confronting or militating against the integration, and seeking ways to strengthen the integration of the Union. This presentation is aimed at sharing ideas on protecting the continental interest of Africa in the International State System as well as seeking for ways on how to achieve African integration. Creating a philosophy that will drive the African integration concept, involve the private sectors and non-governmental organizations in the integration process, and create peace within the continent institute dispute settlement mechanisms. Internal insurgencies group need to be settled/arrested, and transparent democratic, electoral and leadership need to be strengthened. There should be a collective effort to combat terrorism, ensure stability in the political system; and use a collective effort to combat pervasive corruption among African Countries. Corruption kills economic growth and demeans political legitimacy. These factors inhibit investment process hence, trading among African countries is very low