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CSIS Africa Notes Summary: OAU Assembly XXV (1989)

Core Content

The 25th Annual Assembly of Heads of State of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) took place in Addis Ababa from July 24-26, 1989. This meeting marked a pivotal moment in the organization's history, as it faced varying assessments regarding its relevance and future in the 1990s.

Main Points and Key Information

1. Leadership Transition

• President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak of Egypt was elected as the OAU chairman for 1989-1990 by consensus, succeeding President Moussa Traore of Mali.
• Salim Ahmed Salim of Tanzania was elected as the new secretary-general, representing a shift in leadership. He is a seasoned diplomat with experience in foreign affairs, defense, and prime minister roles, and was from a "frontline state" in southern Africa, enhancing his credibility.
• The election of Salim Salim was supported by most commentators, though Africa Confidential expressed skepticism about the OAU's future.

2. Economic Crisis and Debt

• African nations had accumulated a total debt of $230 billion by the end of 1988, equivalent to 24% of their combined income.
• In some countries, debt servicing represented 200–300% of total exports, highlighting the severity of the economic burden.
• The OAU called for an international conference on African debt and a world commodity price stabilization scheme.
• A program to create an African economic community was also approved.

3. Conflict Resolution Initiatives

• The OAU was seen as making progress in conflict resolution, with several key events:
  • Namibia: The Assembly urged the UN to increase its military presence in Namibia to support the transition to independence.
  • Angola: A historic reconciliation meeting was held in Zaire (Gbadolite) in June 1989, attended by 18 African heads of state, aimed at ending 14 years of civil war.
  • South Africa: The OAU planned to hold a meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, to address the situation in South Africa. A new strategy paper, drafted by the African National Congress (ANC), was proposed.
  • Chad-Libya: A face-to-face meeting was held in Bamako between Chad's President Hissene Habre and Libya's Colonel Muammar al-Qaddafi, with no major breakthrough but a commitment to continue mediation.
  • Senegal-Mauritania: Efforts were made to ease tensions following a border incident in April 1989, which led to ethnic riots and cross-border displacement.
  • Western Sahara: A referendum agreement was negotiated by the UN in 1988, though implementation was slow. The resolution of this issue could help resolve internal OAU tensions, including Morocco's withdrawal from the organization.
  • Sudan: OAU leaders worked to facilitate talks between Sudan's military government and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army (SPLA) led by Colonel John Garang.

4. African Defense Force Proposal

• The idea of a pan-African military force was reexamined by the Council of Ministers, but remained unresolved.
• Kenya's President Daniel arap Moi strongly opposed the proposal, citing the financial burden and lack of support from the OAU.
• The Council decided to accept the idea in principle but requested further review of its implications.

5. The Decade of the African Child

• The Assembly declared the 1990s as the "Decade for the African Child".
• Member states were urged to make national declarations and implement child-aid programs.
• Key goals included:
  • Immunizing 70% of children against major diseases by 1990.
  • Implementing the Bamako Initiative (1987), which aimed for universal access to basic primary health services.
  • Ensuring education for all children, with a special focus on girls.

6. Prospects for the OAU

• Despite challenges, the OAU may have a chance to survive and thrive in the 1990s.
• The new leadership under Mubarak and Salim Salim was seen as positive, with Mubarak emphasizing Africa's role in global rapprochement.
• The resurgence of interest in conflict resolution and the decline in member states' non-participation (e.g., Morocco's potential return) were viewed as favorable signs.

Conclusion

The 1989 OAU Assembly reflected a mixed outlook on the organization's future. While some questioned its relevance and survival, others highlighted progress in conflict resolution and economic initiatives. The election of a dynamic secretary-general and a responsible chairman signaled a potential renaissance for the OAU, especially as it moved toward addressing long-standing issues and enhancing its role in African affairs.