May 25 is the day we celebrate the establishment of the Organisation for African Unity. For centuries a large part of the African continent was under colonial rule. In the process of colonisation Africans were stripped of their freedom, natural rights, and resources. From under such humiliation Africans rose up to safeguard their rights and started to struggle to obtain their independence.

On the 25th of May 1963 the Organisation of African Unity was established at Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. Its purpose was to promote the unity and solidarity of African states, defend the sovereignty of all members, eradicate all forms of colonialism, promote international cooperation having due regard for the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, coordinate and harmonise member states economic, diplomatic, educational, health, welfare, scientific and defence policies.

The South African Human Rights Commission would like to acknowledge the 38 years of achievements of the AOU. Particularly its role in the decolonisation and liberation of African states. Its role in the democratisation of some African states is also commendable.

The SAHRC also welcomes the establishment of the African Union especially the new Constitutive Act of the African Union ratified by 36 African States in 1999 Algiers. The specific provision that no unconstitutional change of government would be allowed will go a long way in the pursuance of democratic African States. This is also a sign of a continuing expansion of the role of National Institutions whose role is to strengthen democracy. However the unfinished business of socio-economic development and the conflict in some regions (such as the Great Lakes) of the continent need action by African countries themselves in partnership with the international community.

The first summit of the African Union will be held in South Africa next year (2002) in July. It is important for South Africa to embrace this new development.

Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission
Johannesburg, Friday 25 May 2001

For further information, please contact
Phumla Mthala Tel: (011) 484 8300 Cell: 083 288 3339

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