Combining two theoretical frameworks, which are realism and constructivism, this thesis then uses a qualitative desk-based study to identify and critically discuss various challenges to African unity, paying particular attention to challenges of economic instability, Africa's colonial history as an obstacle for African unity and the political obstacles while comparing all obstacles with existing strategies that Africa has used in its quest for unity. ECOMOG Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group ECOSOCC Economic Social and Cultural Council of Africa Union.
Introduction
The second chapter of this research looks at Africa’s historical background as one of the challenges to African unity. Chapter four of this research focuses on Africa’s lack of political unity as an obstacle to African unity.
Africa’s colonial history as an obstacle to African unity
Franz Fanon gives a very interesting expression of the colonially-captured mind of the African people in a free African regime. Furthermore, the different administrative policies of the colonizer also caused divisions within the African continent.
Economic Challenges to African Unity
Africa’s position as the poorest continent in the world is troubling and one of the main contributors to delayed African unity. Corruption is one of Africa’s biggest problems which limit the positive impact of the numerous poverty reduction and economic development strategies which Africa has implemented (Lawal, 2007:1). Different economic standings of African countries mean that each of the African countries will have differing priorities which will override any other, including African unity.
For example, there is a large gap in commitment and political will of the member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework (ECPF). Dependence on financial assistance has become one of Africa's biggest problems and one of the major challenges for the project of African unity. Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi, among others, are some of the African countries that appear on the list of the most aid-dependent countries in the world.
Poverty is one of the most pressing factors contributing to Africa's unstable economy. Countries such as Rwanda, Zambia, Mozambique, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Mali, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burundi are some of the African countries that appear on the list of the most aid-dependent countries in the world. Chapter four is therefore a discussion of the lack of political unity on the African continent as an obstacle to African unity.
Political obstacles to African unity
The African democratic system of governance has disadvantages that have a negative effect on the politics of the African countries, but also on the African continent as a whole. The AU has also ensured that the African continent recognizes and respects the importance of the electoral democratic process. This means that the AU is unable to make decisions independently of Western powers who undoubtedly have their own interests and agendas in Africa (Mbeki, no date: 6).
This has further led to a lack of confidence on the African continent in the authenticity of African interests in any decision taken by the AU. The third shortcoming of the AU is that joining the AU is too easy. The simplicity of obtaining membership in the AU makes membership possible for countries that may not subscribe to the AU's beliefs and vision.
The AU constitution does not clearly highlight advantages of being a member state of the African Union. The fourth shortfall of the AU is that its public participation only exists in theory. The political stability of Africa and the political unity of members of the continent is a critical step towards the envisioned African unity.
Conclusion and Recommendations
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