In what ways does the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U) look like a confederal type of government?

Answer Details

Confederal Features of the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U)

A confederation is a loose union of independent, sovereign states which come together for common purposes but retain their sovereignty and can withdraw at will. The O.A.U (established in 1963) resembled a confederal arrangement in the following ways:

1. Retention of sovereignty by members: Each member state remained fully independent and sovereign; the O.A.U had no power to override the internal authority of any member.
2. Voluntary membership and right of withdrawal: States joined freely and could withdraw from the organisation whenever they wished, as in a confederation.
3. Equality of member states: All members, large or small, were treated as equals and each had one vote in the Assembly of Heads of State.
4. Weak central authority: The O.A.U had no strong central government that could impose its will on members; its decisions and resolutions were largely recommendations.
5. Non-interference in internal affairs: The Charter upheld respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state and non-interference in their internal affairs, a hallmark of confederations.
6. Decisions by consensus/agreement: Major decisions depended on the agreement and cooperation of member states rather than on binding central legislation.
7. No common army, currency or citizenship: Each state kept its own armed forces, currency and citizenship, and there was no central taxation of citizens.
8. Reliance on member contributions: The organisation depended on the voluntary financial contributions of members, which they could withhold.

(Any relevant points are acceptable.)