Outline four political factors that contribute to the weakness of the Organization of African Unity...
Outline four political factors that contribute to the weakness of the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.)
Explanation
(i) The principle of non-interference in internal affairs of member states. This prevented OAU from playing active role in major crises in member countries.
(ii) Inter-State boundary disputes are common in Africa e.g. Eritrea/Ethiopia, Nigeria/Cameroon, Senegal/Mauritania, etc.
(iii) Lack of military high command. OAU lacked a standing army to be used in conflict situations.
(iv) Existence of sub-regional organizations, e.g. ECOWAS, Mano River Union, etc.
(v) Frequent changes of governments through coups d'etat.
(vi) Member countries still maintain affinity to their former colonial masters
(vii) Ideological differences among African countries
(viii) Fear of domination by some member countries.
(ix) Lack of political will of some Heads of State to carry out OAU decisions.
(x) Internal or domestic strife, conflict, violence, breakdown of law and order in some member states leading to divided attention and lack of support for the Organization.
(xi) Rivalry among the powerful member states for supremacy.