From the Organization of African Unity (OAU) to the African Union (AU) – The Dynamics of the Transformation of a Regional Integration (Ch. in International Organization Serbia and Contemporary World)

Formed through Pan-Africanism, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was the first continental and regional bloc in Africa with the aim of liberating African countries from the shackles of colonialism. However, the OAU experienced numerous challenges on the African continent that came with its transformation into the African Union (AU) in the early 2000s. This dynamic transformation has essentially been greeted with euphoria and uncertain forecasts. The subject chapter examines whether the transition from the OAU to the AU represented a fundamental change or not. The analysis showed that this transformation represented an expansion of the scope of African regional integration. The OAU has been successful in synergizing efforts to help African countries secure independence (e.g., Guinea-Bissau, Angola, Mozambique, Namibia, etc.).
Also, the OAU was central to the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and served as a forum that brought together African states in the United Nations to promote African interests and goals. To some extent, the OAU
has succeeded in institutionalizing the pattern of behavior of African states in the event of the outbreak of mutual conflicts. On the other hand, the OAU has failed in the realization of the goals of African unity and maintenance
of peace, as well as the socio-economic goals contained in Article II of its Charter. As for the AU, this organization has contributed to the stabilization and maintenance of peace and security. It has influenced the good governance of Africa, which has greatly improved the position of African states in the international arena. However, dependence on donors has weakened the mandate of the AU. The transformation from the OAU to
the AU represented, theoretically speaking, a dynamic change that essentially meant the revivification or revitalization of this international organization in complex African circumstances. From the analysis, it can be concluded that there is a need for greater commitment from the leaders of the AU member states to strengthen mutual trust and build strategic relations.