…The push for this unity seemed dead after the overthrow and deaths of some African leaders from the 1960s.
Until, 2001, OAU looked dormant in the eyes of some Africans but the emergence of charismatic leaders such as Colonel Muammar Al Gaddafi (of blessed memory) brought fresh blood into the organization. Through the hard work and efforts of African leaders in the new millennium, the organization regained potency with the principal dream of coming together as a united continent, was almost achieved in 2002 when the name was changed to African Union .
Though it couldn’t happen, 10 years on, Africa still remains divided but some scholars believe the strategy of building a united Africa has changed with the concentration being shifted from a sudden one to a more gradual approach. This is being done through regional blocs such as Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and so on.
Several factors could have accounted for the delay in the unity of the continent, 50 years should have been enough to have a dream which was started half a century ago materializing now.
The unity of the continent has not only remained the headache of Africans in Africa but those outside the continent. The likes of Bob Marley of Jamaica among others have openly expressed the need for such a thing through songs, movies and other media. By now, such founding fathers may be turning in their graves and wish current presidents could hear them scream. Since there is a gap between the dead and the living, a lot of instructions have gone unheard. These leaders who have passed away “wish” they could be alive today to make this long standing dream a reality.
There is no time to waste, the time to unite is NOW!
ONE AFRICA!
ONE PEOPLE!!
ONE DESTINY!!!
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