Number: RS20945
Title: The Organization of African Unity
Authors: Gordon S. Brown and Nicholas Cook, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: Since the end of the Cold War, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) has increasingly focused its activities on practical measures to deal with the continent's challenges of intra- and inter-state conflict and good governance. The organization will probably be reconstituted in 2002 as the African Union, but its effectiveness will continue to be challenged by chronic budgetary weakness and concern by some member states that its activities could constitute intervention in their internal affairs. It is nonetheless moving slowly to develop a more meaningful role and in particular is building up its capacity to play an expanded role in conflict prevention. U.S. Assistance to the OAU's conflict resolution activities expired in FY1998.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated June 21, 2001