Outline four political factors that contribute to the weakness of the Organization of African Unity (O.A.U.)

Answer Details

Several political factors weakened the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Four of them are outlined below:

1. The principle of non-interference in internal affairs: The charter forbade the OAU from intervening in the domestic affairs of member states, so it could not check tyranny, coups or human rights abuses within member countries.
2. Ideological differences among member states: Members were divided between radical and conservative blocs, and between those aligned to the East and West during the Cold War, making common action difficult.
3. Persistent inter-state and border disputes: Boundary conflicts and rivalries among member states, some inherited from colonialism, created disunity and undermined collective decisions.
4. Absence of a supranational authority and enforcement power: The OAU had no army or coercive machinery to enforce its resolutions, so its decisions were largely advisory and frequently ignored.
5. Personality clashes and the ambitions of leaders: Rivalry and mutual suspicion among African heads of state hampered co-operation and weakened unity.
6. External interference: The influence of former colonial powers and superpowers over individual member states divided the organisation and diluted its independence.