Why the United states of Africa failed leading to OAU formation

In May 1963, thirty-two independent African States, with genuine hopes and visions for the continent of Africa, came together in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to create the Organization of African Unity (OAU).
Thirty-two countries founded the organisation, a further 21 states joined gradually over the years, with South Africa becoming the 53rd member on 23 May 1994.
The OAU started its operations on 13 September 1963, when its Charter was adopted, committed to helping bring about change and freedom to many African countries and restore the dignity of African people.
But the origins of the OAU were difficult in fact. The idea almost collapsed before it could get off the ground because of ideological differences.
This episode will look at the origins of the OAU and why it failed.

[@therealTanzanian]

I am so proud to watch these videos as an African, I know my kids will have things to teach them I what read in school! 🔥🔥🔥Thank you!

[@dpf2122]

Thank you for all of the work you put into your videos. They are very informative and, most importantly, they make me want to learn more about the subject at hand.

[@progressivemind994]

Good video!!👏👏In my view, the AU falls short of its vision unfortunately due to the leaders' failure to fulfill the very reason it was established for, which was, to end all colonialism and freedom of African nations. Now Neo-colonialism and western interests have made the union and its Member States more divided with no genuine commitment to the pan African ideals promoted by the forefathers and foremothers of OAU (by the way, women also played a notable role in the constitution and realisation of the Union). African solutions to African problems can't realise when self serving leaders concede to the interests of 21st century imperialists and abandon the interests of the people of Africa.

[@clementoseitano7568]

The AU failed right from the get go. The prevailing ideology is the Monrovia group's, which at best is passive about African interests and at worst against African interests like the support of French in Francophone Africa and supporting French and Belgian interests in Algerian and Congolese conflicts respectively.

[@cuthbertjolly4859]

The prtoblem with Africa is that for every Patrice Lumumba there is a Mobutu Sese Seko. For Africa to thrive they must get rid of the Mobutu Sese Sekos.

[@beorntwit711]

Yeah, but there WERE Lumumbas in power: Kwame Nkrumah was his mentor and he had quite a few years to run his country into the ground. Nyerere, undoubtedly a good man, had similar results. Obviously, Mobutu was a much worse figure, but no one performed very well. Those that did alright for a while (Houphouet Boingy, or that Madagascar fella) also ultimately failed.

[@TheJusDon]

I need to do research on both of these guys

[@ogbonnagerrardgeorge45]

You are very funny

[@africananecdotestv]

@@beorntwit711 How did Kwame run Ghana into the ground?

[@shauncameron8390]

And for every Thomas Sankara, there is a Mengistu Haile Mariam.

[@EclecticPotpourri]

Not even 3 minutes in and I've learned so much! Keep up the great videos. I'd totally subscribe to your patreon. Thanks for all your hard work. Gonna share on Twitter and FB.

[@AFRISTORYNETWORK]

Awesome, thank you!

[@mancingelanicingi6478]

What a point that we are being sold for European aid

[@EclecticPotpourri]

@@AFRISTORYNETWORK you’re welcome ☺️🙌🏾

[@nektarios5291]

Great video as always

[@iam_me1269]

I don't know why I was late to discover this great channel. Keep up this great job my brother. Best regards.

[@AFRISTORYNETWORK]

Welcome aboard!

[@williegitau6680]

Great work guys... History is always interesting

[@Dask410]

Good job! Extensive research. Keep up your good work.

[@AFRISTORYNETWORK]

Thank you!

[@srbtlevse16]

It's so sad almost every African country has had to choose between corrupt dictatorship, corrupt republic, or civil war 😔

[@shauncameron8390]

@@LK-ho1dg Or be pawns of the East (Russia and China), as in Ethiopia's case.

[@ezekielnhialmading2809]

Insightful piece. Thanks

[@ems7623]

I think it's possible that the African Union might be overly ambitious. It has unfortunately not shown itself to be influential enough to fight dictatorship, corruption, interethnic warfare or really any of Africa's modern problems. Perhaps the future of a more prosperous, fair and free Africa is in smaller regional political and economic unions. Why not 5 unions: North, West, East, Central and Southern? This might be more achievable, especially if the borders are redrawn well.

[@arushanioshaka5600]

Good idea

[@BonsuBigWhale]

Now that ECOWAS Haas implemented sanctions against some member states and those states may well be exiting the regionalbloc, it should be a bit clearer that 5 regions will not be a realistic possibility. While so!e states may choose to cede their nationhood and sovereignty to merge into Ames entity; see EAF, others are clearly headed in the opposite directtion; with further balkanization or secession from within; See Naija, Cameroon or ECOWAS. Ulti!lately it will be up to each of the respective populations to determine for themselves how they wish to move forward. All 54 of them. Their decisions will be respected.

[@AAA310]

Thats what they want to do. And then united the 5 regions. You’re literally telling us to do the same thing but slower. Do you even understand the purpose of the African Union? The end of goal of African Union has always been Federation. This isnt the EU.

[@ugwuanyicollins6136]

East African should merge with central africa

[@leroydanny4072]

​@@ugwuanyicollins6136East, central and south

[@abbasulemuhammad4845]

And the ideology of AU by Muammar Gaddafi was the major reason to cost him his life while AU's watching.

[@seidubabaabdulrahman2589]

Ghana attained lndependence in 1957 and not in 1958, interesting , instructive and insightful video

[@KRN000]

love from indian subcontinent❤

[@unhater5253]

As a tip, you should put a better title. Something like "What is the African Union? A short history" or something like that. I think that might have more hook with people's searches

[@j.j.714]

Idk about that, a dictators’ club sounds so wild that people might get curious. I was already subscribed, but if it weren’t for the current title, I probably would’ve chosen something else to watch first

[@ems7623]

Good advice

[@nkrumahneverdies]

Great piece🎉

[@kingeman101bro7]

THE MONROVIA GROUP HELD IT'S FIRST MEETING IN SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY, LIBERIA WHERE THE ACTUAL DOCUMENT WAS SIGNED. TODAY, SANNIQUELLIE IS KNOWN AS THE BIRTH PLACE OF THE OAU!

[@unhater5253]

Excelent video 👍

[@gt.mkushimakoba531]

Jah no dead,,don't lie African! Haile Selassie I live in I n I heart...

[@clementgavi7290]

In May 1963, the Organization of the African Unity was created. In January of the same year, the first deadly coup in Africa's history took place ij Togo. The regime that has emerged from that bloody and tragic event is the same regime nowadays, and it is tgat regime that is the chief negotiator for countries of Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific in the framework of their cooperation with the European Union.

[@solomonpunobyin4066]

Correction: Ghana became independent in 1957 not 58. Good video btw.

[@lorinye5674]

Nice Video!

[@grantauckland4281]

We do not need no o a u. What we need is the United states of Africa. What we need is the United States of Africa. What we need is the United States of Africa AFRICAN's people please unite African people must unite and have one president and one military long Live all Africans in the United States of the continent of Africa!

[@beorntwit711]

The greatest failure of the organization happened after the Somali representative spoke: he requested Ethiopian Ogaden and Kenya's Northern Province, populated mostly by Somalis to be 'returned' to his nation. The response was vigorously opposed: African leaders decided to sanctify colonial borders. This prevented a lot of potential inter-state conflicts, but invited intra-state civil wars. Nor did they establish a peacekeeping force for such occassions. All along the Christian Muslim divide (Ethiopia, Sudan, Tchad, Nigeria) and in places like Rwanda and Burundi, ethnic conflict would be the bane of Africa. Consider for example, the case of Tchad, Niger and Nigeria. The divide is between religions, but also social-cultural differences and colonial political experience. Northern Nigeria could have joined with Niger and Northern Chad into a single large state, preventing the Biafra war. Alas, it was not to be.

[@dopehood2023]

u should also do a documentary on Museveni

[@mcamara488]

Unfortunately, my country Guine-Bissau is still under coup as I am writing this comment.

[@thabisopharoo5605]

Wow 🥺 that's sad

[@georgenjeru4435]

Informative,long live the A.U

[@mukundutm]

Point of correction:Ghana gained UHuru in 1957not 1958 !.The Berlin Conference was in 1884 & not 1885 !.

[@mcamara488]

The Berlin conference started in 1984 but was finalised in 1985....

[@mukundutm]

@@mcamara488 It is crystal clear that you arent well vexed with History with such historical inaccuracies as 1984&1985!.

[@mcamara488]

@@mukundutm sorry know it all, I forgot you were part of those forming the Berlin conference. People like you that sits behind the computers looking for other people work just to criticised but will never take their precious time to do a better work. Keep your well informed good for nothing nonsense knowledge because I don't need it.

[@mukundutm]

@@mcamara488 Go to hell & roast moronic Imbecile!.Learn to write &express yourself coherently !.

[@kudzaimachisi]

United States of Africa would have been cool

[@ELYYY99]

It's weird being darkskinned. It's almost like my purpose here is greater.

[@Zedmuchi]

Africa has resources to sustain itself but its a pity we have chosen to beg. Selfish leaders who can't come together to archive a common goal. So Selfish indeed 🙄....shame!!

[@rafiqibrahimnathanie1739]

Why have you omitted Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda of Malawi. Who vehemently fought against Colonialism. This was acknowledged by President Kenneth Kaunda and Mr. Joshua Nkomo of Zimbabwe.

[@tysonmcduggan6870]

Fighting against colonialism and paying lip service to the pan africanist cause. Should not excuse that charlatan's dictatorial rule and total mismanagement of the Malawian state for 28 years?

[@Biobele]

Dr. John Hastings Kamuzu should not be praised for anything he should be used as an example of what not to do. Along with other African dictators.

[@rafiqibrahimnathanie1739]

@@Biobele Be

[@Biobele]

@@rafiqibrahimnathanie1739 ???

[@seth3933]

They should've listened to nkrumah now look at where africa is.

[@laisphinto6372]

Ah yes the Guy whose great Idea of uniting IS annexing Togo, yeah No thanks He clearly ignored Independent Sovereignity for His african empire dream

[@Desire123ification]

Good initiative unfortunately appears to be falling short. Perhaps more time is needed, in order to mature.

[@progressivemind994]

I admire your optimism.In my view, more time will not remedy AU's current deficiencies. It falls short of its vision unfortunately due to the leaders' failure to fulfill the very reason it was established for which was to end all colonialism and freedom of African nations. Now Neo-colonialism and western interests have made the union and its Member States more divided with no genuine commitment to the pan African ideals promoted by the forefathers and foremothers of OAU (by the way, women also played a notable role in the constitution and realisation of the Union). African solutions to African problems can't realise when self serving leaders concede to the interests of 21st century imperialists and abandon the interests of the people of Africa.

[@tegestherrmann4029]

Why we are looking one by one African leaders take down by Colonials. Let the African people choose their leaders.

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Im really really African i love Africa 🌍 😭 🎉one love one world one God for all people

[@mutemiz]

EPIC VID

[@alfreddennies1220]

Thanks GOD for president William vs Tubman of liberia 🇱🇷🙏bec with out Liberia there is not African union.....

[@Ladypagga]

Ghana's independence was in 1957 but great vid

[@geedupyo]

Great keep it up

[@AFRISTORYNETWORK]

Thank you, I will

[@TruetoCaesar]

Never knew african history was so intresting

[@cameraman1234567890a]

There is so much more as well. An incredibly interesting place with so many incredible and fascinating characters

[@dkm1666]

you were sleeping

[@vianeykitatta8834]

Thanks

[@AFRISTORYNETWORK]

Welcome

[@gen.subutai6720]

Ghana gained independence 1957 and not 1958! Thanks

[@yungwood3909]

The Monrovia group put us in this division the Monrovia failed us

[@seth3933]

Facts 💯 💯

[@Noah-v8h]

They were all full of visionless presidents that formed that monrovia group

[@mubarakbayambeadamu6862]

Ghana became independent in 1957 not 1958 please.

[@mansamusa6450]

Ghana got independent in 1957 not 58

[@ogbonnagerrardgeorge45]

Both the Monrovia & Liberia ɗnt meet up was expected from them, cause both said different thing and do different thing

[@patrick-vt8uw]

I will be your ledar im a good ledar for you young African all of your young soldier for me you will get one Africa 🌍 in just days now Africa

[@patrick-vt8uw]

We need to make now Africa 🌍

[@wayneanderson6370]

Great summery.

[@anonimoustwothem4822]

Why is it you always put Nkrumah before Hail Selassie, the head and the father of the OAU,and United Nations i wonder if people feel that flag that Ghana rise in 1957 did drop out of the Sky, that is the flag of the black christ th 5 point black star represents the 5 bleeding wounds christ bare,,In 1966 March 3 the Queen visited Jamaica,and the man who says his the Christ gave Elizabeth the same Ghana flag, with the R sign and lion symbol and she knew what time it was because she saw the same flag replace her flag in 1957,Its no coincidence she left Jamaica on March 6 1966,on Ghanas Independence day, and in April 1966 on the 21st day of the first Month Haile Selasie visits Jamaica, and meets this individual man ho says his the Christ,,,The Man say, in 1962 when Jamaica got its independence they should have rose the same flag as Ghana,because just like Ghana ,Jamaica also flew the british flag,,but as you can see that the Jamaica flag has a big X and X is wrong and R is right, The Rmon come and rise the Bobo Shanti kingdom,in jamaica, Shanti Deva came and very few people understood at that time but the world will soon declare this mon as the Queen said in 1966,that it is an individual man in this country no one is to molest and shall soon be lord over her laws,so dont forget and never forget that Queen Elizabeth left Jamaica on the 6 of March Ghanas 9th independence day,,,,not the 7th or 8th but the 9th,

[@patrick-vt8uw]

I ll sarcastic my life for you young African in Jesus name

[@kevinkapchanga1870]

African Quest

[@xl6941]

you talk of liberation movements of the OAU and won't mention Tanganyika's role. What a travesty

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Im ready to led you were you want to go young African don't worry im here for you for everything i will make you and your family happy in Jesus name i will be your king for fou das

[@MotleyMagee-o4s]

Perez Laura Thomas Melissa Allen Lisa

[@patrick-vt8uw]

You will get your Africa back in Jesus name your children of God this is your world God give it to you

[@tegestherrmann4029]

OAU guard your capital Ethiopia. Africa used to be called Ethiopia also the Atlantic ocean was called Ethiopian ocean. The last standing name holder country is going to be destroyed by colonials. OAU should act to protect Ethiopia.

[@brightchako1832]

Any United States of AFRICA effort and some AU efforts may be ineffective due to AFRICAN leaders reluctant to separate their efforts by originality of the AFRICANS....here we have AFRICANS who suffered at hands of Europeans and ARABS historical , leading to a scramble by the Europeans and ARABS,that is never erred at AU conferences bcoz of the somehow infiltration via religious dominance yet rearing ugly heads of puppet governments,regime change activism and disturbilising militias from North to Southern Africa ....So it seems evident a permanent incorruptible United States of AFRICA may only stand if religious line is drawn crystallising which God the AFRICANS worship and where instead of relying on either the Israel Bible GOD or the Allah GOD of the Arab world ....YET the Jehovah who is of heaven maybe that of love your neighbor as you love yourself and your parents etc as commandments that we Pan AFRICAN Youths follow..we don't kill our fellow brothers or fathers or mothers like all sponsored underground terrorist groups

[@AAA310]

Or just have provinces within the federation where each religion can reside

[@patrick-vt8uw]

If you need me i will be there at anytime i love you i can help you by giving my life to you Africa

[@patrick-vt8uw]

If you didn't do it who will do it for you

[@patrick-vt8uw]

We have good ledar s young African i will DIY for you young African i love you I'm a good soldiers all my life if you need im ready very ready for you young African i give my lif for you my young African i need to get me we can do this my African in Jesus name i will be the one that will give you your Africa back in Jesus name

[@patrick-vt8uw]

We need our Africa back from this old people help us putun president putun your the only president that will make us get our Africa back i have good soldier young African can do that

[@jimmyandtheresurrection7247]

Haile selassie i created the oau ! As long as africans keep ignoring the king africa will never be free.

[@alfreddennies1220]

My friend with out liberia 🇱🇷the will be no African union today.... But u guys,give credit to Ghana and South Africa 🇿🇦I'm real surprised even thar u guys never give liberia 🇱🇷credit u can't make one Africa with out independent...

[@kingneltty3084]

Please is 1957 not 1958❌

[@StellaUrbanek-h1f]

Jaren Lake

[@dr.br96kazi75]

Kwame nkurumah and most West African leaders were living in a dream world

[@cuthbertjolly4859]

This is a view shared by people who do not have Africa´s interest at heart.

[@AAA310]

Ok sellout

[@shauncameron8390]

And a lot of them spent their final days in a Western or Asian hospital. Mugabe, Dos Santos, Barre, Amin, Toure, Mobutu, etc.

[@patrick-vt8uw]

I need answers know from young African im around my people if you need me i will be in Africa know if you need me

[@bwogibobrs]

Mwana gwe oliwakatawi nyo nze nkumatila

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Were you Africa give your life to your children know meka your children happy know

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Please African don't sleep know wekup know

[@africansaint4986]

please it was 1957 ghana gain independence

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Ar you with me young African im ready for you young African i need to sacrifice my life for you young African in Jesus name please please if you need one Africa 🌍 im ready to do that for you young African my family this is the tim i really need to live this world because I'm not happy in this world and now colonies by. African ledars nonon

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Your very storing younger generations you can teka Africa back from this ledar s please please ca president of Russia 🇷🇺 putun president we young African we never need help

[@menelik-present5242]

Hail Jah RastafarI,

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Way r you safring way you have everything in Africa give it to president of Russia 🇷🇺 putun will help you

[@patrick-vt8uw]

Please yes young African ask president of Russia for help know president putun will help you young African i need you young African to get good ledars from all 54 contriy s in Africa to go to Russia if you want me to talk to Russia 🇷🇺 president i will do that for you look at you young African all Africa is young people we're s this older people to compeet with you

[@Uloaku-Banks]

Nonsense OAU. They allow Nigeria to commit genocide against Biafra in 1967 to 1970. Because Biafra want self independent state

[@MasimbaMusodza]

If OAU members had allowed Biafra to become an independent state, there would have been a free-for-all for secessionist movements. For instance, Zambia recognised Biafra. What was to stop Nigeria from reciprocating by recognising Barotseland? I am not saying that the Biafra cause is not legitimate, but that maintaining the colonial boundaries has helped stabilised the continent.

[@Uloaku-Banks]

@@MasimbaMusodza you are right. Even Awolowo threatened to secede if the Biafra was allowed to secede.

[@lolnoob5015]

@@MasimbaMusodza How can you claim to fight for the freedom of Africans and advocate for the oppression and suppression of self-determination within people of your own land?

[@MasimbaMusodza]

@@lolnoob5015 Why are you asking me that question? Where have I said that I advocate for the oppression and suppression of self-determination within (sic) in my own land?

[@lolnoob5015]

@@MasimbaMusodza sir I’m talking about the OAU’s stance on biafra

[@christianfreedom-seeker934]

Marcus Garvey had a GREAT IDEA!!! 👍 👌 👏 Had the blacks listened to him and returned to Africa, the US could have saved TRILLIONS of dollars in welfare and incarceration costs! Someday someone like him will successfully lead the blacks back to their home and the rest of us can breathe a sigh of relief and rebuild the cities as livable places!

[@davidsonlosse4385]

Garvey wanted us to have a relationship with our mother land in Africa. And regardless we’re here to stay. We’ll leave after you so that the indigenous people can breath a sigh of relief 😅

[@AAA310]

Ok racist

[@Zero-hl2zy]

Like Europe, Africa will never get it together full stop

[@rudyniosho2505]

Europe has actually made it! Africa is so far from even beginning 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@arushanioshaka5600]

Europe already got it together

[@ugwuanyicollins6136]

@@arushanioshaka5600 except russia and co

[@laisphinto6372]

Europe Made it😂 Sure britain left , Germany is the Cash cow everyone uses and the only reason there is Peace IS because of Big Daddy USA occupying countries also have you looked at the Balkans ? That would make congo Look stable in comparison of how many Times there IS a war there

[@millionairemaine8901]

So you mean to tell me we faught against colonialism only to KEEP the colonial borders that divided us...ok

[@patrick-vt8uw]

We need our Africa back from this old people help us putun president putun your the only president that will make us get our Africa back i have good soldier young African can do that they need now Africa