Being the idealistic anti-capitalist I am, I’m starting a new post on this blog called “This Week in Capitalism”. Each week I’ll dig through the gears of the capitalism machine and post a story dealing with said subject. Tonight I bring you a story from the ultimate symbol of what capitalism has done to humanity: Africa. Sadly, Africa has a lot in common with the Americas and Asia if you compare all of their imperialistic journeys. First they’re subjected to waves of genocide, then colonization over the remaining peoples by European powers, then partitioning into countries, loss of native heritage and natural resources, and eventual decolonization and civil wars in modern times. By the start of the 20th century every inch of Africa was under the control of European might. In 1963 African leaders sought to unite and reclaim their solidarity.

“The African summit conference ended today in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, with an agreement from all delegates to found an Organisation of African Unity. Its primary aim will be to “decolonise” the remaining bastions of white rule in Southern Rhodesia, South Africa, Mozambique and Angola. It plans to support African “freedom fighters” with finance, arms, volunteers and training bases and to close off their airspace to colonial forces. Heads of state were urged to impose sanctions on South Africa and break off diplomatic relations. The conference also expressed concern about racial discrimination in the United States. The OAU charter also states it will co-ordinate efforts to raise the standard of living of member states and defend their sovereignty. But its aim is to guide rather than lead an Africa that is still finding its feet.”
source (also contains video)

The OAU had a noble goal in mind. Unfortunately, it was unable to guide Africa safely through it’s traumatic childhood as many had hoped. Nonetheless, Kofi Annan praised the OAU for bringing Africans together. Some criticized it for not doing enough to protect the liberties of African citizens. The OAU officially disbanded on July 9th, 2002.