Views on National Security in Africa

Abstract

In many ways, a vision of African national security is difficult to conceive. Prior to 1963, national security on the continent of Africa could not be found. However, on September 13, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a vision of African national security emerged, with the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This multilateral organization of 37 independent African States agreed “…to promote unity and development; defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of members; eradicate all forms of colonialism; promote international co-operation and co-ordinate members’ economic diplomatic educational, health, welfare, scientific, and defense policies” (Juma 2006, p. 1). At one point in its 38 years of existence, the OAU included all 53 African states. On July 9, 2002, in Durban, South Africa, the Constitutive Act of the African Union (AU) replaced the OAU and continues to be at the forefront of the new African vision (Juma 2006). The goal of the AU is to “integrate political and socio-economic factors throughout the continent; to promote and defend African common positions; to help establish peace and security throughout Africa; and to promote democratic institutions, good governance and human rights” (African Union n.d.).