OAU CHARTER
We, the Heads of African States and Governments assembled in the City of Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia,
Convinced that it is the inalienable right of all people to control their own destiny,
Conscious of the fact that freedom, equality, justice and dignity are essential
objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples,
Conscious of our responsibility to harness the natural and human resources of our
continent for the total advancement of our peoples in all spheres of human
endeavour,
Inspired by a common determination to promote understanding among our peoples
and cooperation among our states in response to the aspirations of our peoples for
brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national
differences,
Convinced that, in order to translate this determination into a dynamic force in the
cause of human progress, conditions for peace and security must be established and
maintained,
Determined to safeguard and consolidate the hard-won independence as well as the
sovereignty and territorial integrity of our states, and to fight against neocolonialism in all its forms,
Dedicated to the general progress of Africa,
Persuaded that the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, to the Principles of which we reaffirm our adherence, provide a
solid foundation for peaceful and positive cooperation among States,
Desirous that all African States should henceforth unite so that the welfare and wellbeing of their peoples can be assured,
Resolved to reinforce the links between our states by establishing and strengthening
common institutions,