LEGAL CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM THE POLICIES AND
PRACTICES OF ISRAEL IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN
TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM
(REQUEST FOR ADVISORY OPINION)
EXHIBITS OF THE
AFRICAN UNION
25 July 2023
INDEX
Exhibit No. Title Date
1 Constitutive Act of the African Union 11 July 2000
2 OAU Charter 25 May 1963
3 Solemn Declaration on the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU,
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
May 2013
4
Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity,
meeting in its Eleventh Ordinary Session in Algiers, Algeria,
Resolution on Namibia, CM/Res. 150 (XI)
4 to 12 September
1968
5
Resolutions Adopted by the first Conference of Independent
African Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, CIAS/PLEN.2/REV.2
22 to 25 May 1963
6 Statement of the Chairperson of the African Union
Commission on the Situation in Gaza
7 August 2022
7
Statement of Chairperson of African Union Commission on the
American Decision to Recognize Jerusalem as the Capital of
Israel
6 December 2017
8
African Union, Declaration on the Situation in Palestine and
the Middle East, Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI), 36th Ordinary
Session of the Assembly of the Union, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
18‐19 February 2023
9
OAU, Resolution on the Aggression Against the United Arab
Republic, OAU Doc. AHG/Res.53 (V), Fifth Ordinary Session
of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government,
Algiers, Algeria
13-16 September
1968
10
OAU, Resolution on the Situation in the United Arab Republic,
OAU Doc. AHG/Res.57/Rev.1 (VI), Sixth Ordinary Session of
the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government, Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia
6-10 September
1969
11
OAU, Resolution on the Continued Aggression Against the
United Arab Republic, OAU Doc. AHG/Res.63 (VII), Seventh
Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and
Government, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
1-3 September
1970
12
OAU, Resolution on the Continued Aggression Against the
Arab Republic of Egypt, OAU Doc. AHG/Res.67 (IX), Ninth
Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and
Government, Rabat, Morocco
12-15 June 1972
13
OAU, Resolution on the Continued Occupation by Israel of
Part of the Territory of the Arab Republic of Egypt, OAU Doc.
AHG/Res.70 (X), Tenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly of
the Heads of State and Government, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
27-28 May 1973
Constitutif Act of African Union
CONSTITUTIVE ACT OF THE
AFRICAN UNION
AU-1
Constitutif Act of African Union
1
The Constitutive Act
We, Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the
Organization of African Unity (OAU):
1. The President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
2. The President of the Republic of Angola
3. The President of the Republic of Benin
4. The President of the Republic of Botswana
5. The President of Burkina Faso
6. The President of the Republic of Burundi
7. The President of the Republic of Cameroon
8. The President of the Republic of Cape Verde
9. The President of the Central African Republic
10. The President of the Republic of Chad
11. The President of the Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros
12. The President of the Republic of the Congo
13. The President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
14. The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo
15. The President of the Republic of Djibouti
16. The President of the Arab Republic of Egypt
17. The President of the State of Eritrea
18. The Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of
Ethiopia
19. The President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea
20. The President of the Gabonese Republic
21. The President of the Republic of The Gambia
22. The President of the Republic of Ghana
23. The President of the Republic of Guinea
24. The President of the Republic of Guinea Bissau
25. The President of the Republic of Kenya
26. The Prime Minister of Lesotho
27. The President of the Republic of Liberia
28. The Leader of the 1st of September Revolution of the Great Socialist
People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
29. The President of the Republic of Madagascar
Constitutif Act of African Union
2
30. The President of the Republic of Malawi
31. The President of the Republic of Mali
32. The President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania
33. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Mauritius
34. The President of the Republic of Mozambique
35. The President of the Republic of Namibia
36. The President of the Republic of Niger
37. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
38. The President of the Republic of Rwanda
39. The President of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
40. The President of the Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
41. The President of the Republic of Senegal
42. The President of the Republic of Seychelles
43. The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
44. The President of the Republic of Somalia
45. The President of the Republic of South Africa
46. The President of the Republic of Sudan
47. The King of Swaziland
48. The President of the United Republic of Tanzania
49. The President of the Togolese Republic
50. The President of the Republic of Tunisia
51. The President of the Republic of Uganda
52. The President of the Republic of Zambia
53. The President of the Republic of Zimbabwe
INSPIRED by the noble ideals which guided the founding fathers of
our Continental Organization and generations of Pan-Africanists in their
determination to promote unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation
among the peoples of Africa and African States;
CONSIDERING the principles and objectives stated in the Charter of
the Organization of African Unity and the Treaty establishing the African
Economic Community;
RECALLING the heroic struggles waged by our peoples and our
countries for political independence, human dignity and economic
emancipation;
Constitutif Act of African Union
3
CONSIDERING that since its inception, the Organization of African
Unity has played a determining and invaluable role in the liberation
of attainment of the unity of our continent and has provided a unique
framework for our collective action in Africa and in our relations with
the rest of the world.
DETERMINED to take up the multifaceted challenges that confront our
continent and peoples in the light of the social, economic and political
changes taking place in the world;
CONVINCED of the need to accelerate the process of implementing the
Treaty establishing the African Economic Community in order to promote
the socio-economic development of Africa and to face more effectively
the challenges posed by globalization;
GUIDED by our common vision of a united and strong Africa and by
the need to build a partnership between governments and all segments of
civil society, in particular women, youth and the private sector, in order
to strengthen solidarity and cohesion among our peoples;
CONSCIOUS
a major impediment to the socio-economic development of the continent
and of the need to promote peace, security and stability as a prerequisite
for the implementation of our development and integration agenda;
DETERMINED to promote and protect human and peoples’ rights,
consolidate democratic institutions and culture, and to ensure good
governance and the rule of law;
FURTHER DETERMINED to take all necessary measures to
strengthen our common institutions and provide them with the necessary
powers and resources to enable them discharge their respective mandates
effectively;
RECALLING the Declaration which we adopted at the Fourth
Extraordinary Session of our Assembly in Sirte, the Great Socialist
Constitutif Act of African Union
4
People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya, on 9.9. 99, in which we decided to
establish an African Union, in conformity with the ultimate objectives of
the Charter of our Continental Organization and the Treaty establishing
the African Economic Community;
HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
Article 1
In this Constitutive Act:
“Act” means the present Constitutive Act;
“AEC” means the African Economic Community;
“Assembly” means the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of
the Union;
“Charter” means the Charter of the OAU;
“Commission” means the Secretariat of the Union;
“Committee” means a Specialized Technical Committee of the Union;
“Council” means the Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the
Union;
“Court” means the Court of Justice of the Union;
“Executive Council” means the Executive Council of Ministers of the
Union;
“Member State” means a Member State of the Union;
“OAU” means the Organization of African Unity;
Constitutif Act of African Union
5
“Parliament” means the Pan-African Parliament of the Union;
“Union” means the African Union established by the present Constitutive
Act.
Article 2
Establishment
The African Union is hereby established in accordance with the provisions
of this Act.
Article 3
Objectives
The objectives of the Union shall be to:
(a) achieve greater unity and solidarity between the African countries
and the peoples of Africa;
(b) defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its
Member States;
(c) accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the
continent;
(d) promote and defend African common positions on issues of interest
to the continent and its peoples;
(e) encourage international cooperation, taking due account of the
Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights;
(f) promote peace, security, and stability on the continent;
(g) promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation
and good governance;
Constitutif Act of African Union
6
(h) promote and protect human and peoples’ rights in accordance
with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other
relevant human rights instruments;
(i) establish the necessary conditions which enable the continent to
play its rightful role in the global economy and in international
negotiations;
(j) promote sustainable development at the economic, social and
cultural levels as well as the integration of African economies;
(k)
living standards of African peoples;
(l) coordinate and harmonize the policies between the existing and
future Regional Economic Communities for the gradual attainment
of the objectives of the Union;
(m) advance the development of the continent by promoting research in
(n) work with relevant international partners in the eradication of
preventable diseases and the promotion of good health on the
continent.
Article 4
Principles
The Union shall function in accordance with the following principles:
(a) sovereign equality and interdependence among Member States of
the Union;
(b) respect of borders existing on achievement of independence;
(c) participation of the African peoples in the activities of the Union;
(d) establishment of a common defence policy for the African
Continent;
Constitutif Act of African Union
7
(e)
through such appropriate means as may be decided upon by the
Assembly;
(f) prohibition of the use of force or threat to use force among Member
States of the Union;
(g) non-interference by any Member State in the internal affairs of
another;
(h) the right of the Union to intervene in a Member State pursuant
to a decision of the Assembly in respect of grave circumstances,
namely: war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity;
(i) peaceful co-existence of Member States and their right to live in
peace and security;
(j) the right of Member States to request intervention from the Union
in order to restore peace and security;
(k) promotion of self-reliance within the framework of the Union;
(l) promotion of gender equality;
(m) respect for democratic principles, human rights, the rule of law and
good governance;
(n) promotion of social justice to ensure balanced economic
development;
(o) respect for the sanctity of human life, condemnation and rejection
of impunity and political assassination, acts of terrorism and
subversive activities;
(p) condemnation and rejection of unconstitutional changes of
governments.
Constitutif Act of African Union
8
Article 5
Organs of the Union
1. The organs of the Union shall be:
(a) The Assembly of the Union;
(b) The Executive Council;
(c) The Pan-African Parliament;
(d) The Court of Justice;
(e) The Commission;
(f) The Permanent Representatives Committee;
(g) The Specialized Technical Committees;
(h) The Economic, Social and Cultural Council;
(i) The Financial Institutions;
2. Other organs that the Assembly may decide to establish.
Article 6
The Assembly
1. The Assembly shall be composed of Heads of States and Government
or their duly accredited representatives.
2. The Assembly shall be the supreme organ of the Union.
3. The Assembly shall meet at least once a year in ordinary session.
At the request of any Member State and on approval by a twothirds
majority of the Member States, the Assembly shall meet in
extraordinary session.
4.
period of one year by a Head of State or Government elected after
consultations among the Member States.
Article 7
Decisions of the Assembly
1. The Assembly shall take its decisions by consensus or, failing
which, by a two-thirds majority of the Member States of the Union.
Constitutif Act of African Union
9
However, procedural matters, including the question of whether a
matter is one of procedure or not, shall be decided by a simple
majority.
2. Two-thirds of the total membership of the Union shall form a
quorum at any meeting of the Assembly.
Article 8
Rules of Procedure of the Assembly
The Assembly shall adopt its own Rules of Procedure.
Article 9
Powers and Functions of the Assembly
1. The functions of the Assembly shall be to:
(a) determine the common policies of the Union;
(b) receive, consider and take decisions on reports and
recommendations from the other organs of the Union;
(c) consider requests for Membership of the Union;
(d) establish any organ of the Union;
(e) monitor the implementation of policies and decisions of the
Union as well ensure compliance by all Member States;
(f) adopt the budget of the Union;
(g) give directives to the Executive Council on the management
restoration of peace;
Constitutif Act of African Union
10
(h) appoint and terminate the appointment of the judges of the
Court of Justice;
(i) appoint the Chairman of the Commission and his or her
deputy or deputies and Commissioners of the Commission
2. The Assembly may delegate any of its powers and functions to any
organ of the Union.
Article 10
The Executive Council
1. The Executive Council shall be composed of the Ministers of
Foreign Affairs or such other Ministers or Authorities as are
designated by the Governments of Member States.
2. The Executive Council shall meet at least twice a year in ordinary
session. It shall also meet in an extra-ordinary session at the request
of any Member State and upon approval by two-thirds of all Member
States.
Article 11
Decisions of the Executive Council
1. The Executive Council shall take its decisions by consensus or,
failing which, by a two-thirds majority of the Member States.
However, procedural matters, including the question of whether a
matter is one of procedure or not, shall be decided by a simple
majority.
2. Two-thirds of the total membership of the Union shall form a
quorum at any meeting of the Executive Council.
Constitutif Act of African Union
11
Article 12
Rules of Procedure of the Executive Council
The Executive Council shall adopt its own Rules of Procedure.
Article 13
Functions of the Executive Council
1. The Executive Council shall coordinate and take decisions on
policies in areas of common interest to the Member States, including
the following:
(a) foreign trade;
(b) energy, industry and mineral resources;
(c) food, agricultural and animal resources, livestock production
and forestry;
(d) water resources and irrigation;
(e) environmental protection, humanitarian action and disaster
response and relief;
(f) transport and communications;
(g) insurance;
(h) education, culture, health and human resources
development;
(i) science and technology;
(j) nationality, residency and immigration matters;
(k) social security, including the formulation of mother and child
care policies, as well as policies relating to the disabled and
the handicapped;
(l) establishment of a system of African awards,
medals and prizes.
Constitutif Act of African Union
12
2. The Executive Council shall be responsible to the Assembly. It
shall consider issues referred to it and monitor the implementation
of policies formulated by the Assembly.
3. The Executive Council may delegate any of its powers and functions
mentioned in paragraph 1 of this Article to the Specialized Technical
Committees established under Article 14 of this Act.
Article 14
The Specialized Technical Committees
Establishment and Composition
1. There is hereby established the following Specialized Technical
Committees, which shall be responsible to the Executive Council:
(a) The Committee on Rural Economy and Agricultural
Matters;
(b) The Committee on Monetary and Financial Affairs;
(c) The Committee on Trade, Customs and Immigration
Matters;
(d) The Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, Energy,
Natural Resources and Environment;
(e) The Committee on Transport, Communications and
Tourism;
(f) The Committee on Health, Labour and Social Affairs; and
(g) The Committee on Education, Culture and Human
Resources.
2. The Assembly shall, whenever it deems appropriate, restructure the
existing Committees or establish other Committees.
3. The Specialized Technical Committees shall be composed of
their respective areas of competence.
Constitutif Act of African Union
13
Article 15
Functions of the Specialized Technical Committees
(a) prepare projects and programmes of the Union and submit it to the
Executive Council;
(b) ensure the supervision, follow-up and the evaluation of the
implementation of decisions taken by the organs of the Union;
(c) ensure the coordination and harmonization of projects and
programmes of the Union;
(d) submit to the Executive Council either on its own initiative or at the
request of the Executive Council, reports and recommendations on
the implementation of the provisions of this Act; and
(e) carry out any other functions assigned to it for the purpose of
ensuring the implementation of the provisions of this Act.
Article 16
Meetings
Subject to any directives given by the Executive Council, each Committee
shall meet as often as necessary and shall prepare its Rules of Procedure
and submit them to the Executive Council for approval.
Article 17
The Pan-African Parliament
1. In order to ensure the full participation of African peoples in the
development and economic integration of the continent, a Pan-
African Parliament shall be established.
2. The composition, powers, functions and organization of the Pan-
Constitutif Act of African Union
14
Article 18
The Court of Justice
1. A Court of Justice of the Union shall be established;
2. The statute, composition and functions of the Court of Justice shall
Article 19
The Financial Institutions
(a) The African Central Bank;
(b) The African Monetary Fund;
(c) The African Investment Bank.
Article 20
The Commission
1. There shall be established a Commission of the Union, which shall
be the Secretariat of the Union.
2. The Commission shall be composed of the Chairman, his or her
deputy or deputies and the Commissioners. They shall be assisted by
the necessary staff for the smooth functioning of the Commission.
3. The structure, functions and regulations of the Commission shall
be determined by the Assembly.
Article 21
The Permanent Representatives Committee
1. There shall be established a Permanent Representatives Committee.
It shall be composed of Permanent Representatives to the Union
and other Plenipotentiaries of Member States.
Constitutif Act of African Union
15
2. The Permanent Representatives Committee shall be charged with
the responsibility of preparing the work of the Executive Council and
acting on the Executive Council’s instructions. It may set up such
sub-committees or working groups as it may deem necessary.
Article 22
The Economic, Social and Cultural Council
1. The Economic, Social and Cultural Council shall be an advisory
organ composed of different social and professional groups of the
Member States of the Union.
2. The functions, powers, composition and organization of the
Economic, Social and Cultural Council shall be determined by the
Assembly.
Article 23
Imposition of Sanctions
1. The Assembly shall determine the appropriate sanctions to be
imposed on any Member State that defaults in the payment of its
contributions to the budget of the Union in the following manner:
denial of the right to speak at meetings, to vote, to present candidates
activity or commitments, therefrom;
2. Furthermore, any Member State that fails to comply with the
decisions and policies of the Union may be subjected to other
sanctions, such as the denial of transport and communications links
with other Member States, and other measures of a political and
economic nature to be determined by the Assembly.
Article 24
The Headquarters of the Union
1. The Headquarters of the Union shall be in Addis Ababa in the
Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Constitutif Act of African Union
16
2.
Assembly may, on the recommendation of the Executive Council,
determine.
Article 25
Working Languages
The working languages of the Union and all its institutions shall be, if
possible, African languages, Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.
Article 26
Interpretation
The Court shall be seized with matters of interpretation arising from the
application or implementation of this Act. Pending its establishment,
such matters shall be submitted to the Assembly of the Union, which
shall decide by a two-thirds majority.
Article 27
1.
the Member States of the OAU in accordance with their respective
constitutional procedures.
2.
General of the OAU.
3. Any Member State of the OAU acceding to this Act after its
entry into force shall deposit the instrument of accession with the
Chairman of the Commission.
Article 28
This Act shall enter into force thirty (30) days after the deposit of the
OAU.
Constitutif Act of African Union
17
Article 29
Admission to Membership
1. Any African State may, at any time after the entry into force of
this Act, notify the Chairman of the Commission of its intention to
accede to this Act and to be admitted as a member of the Union.
2. The Chairman of the Commission shall, upon receipt of such
shall be decided by a simple majority of the Member States. The
decision of each Member State shall be transmitted to the Chairman
of the Commission who shall, upon receipt of the required number
of votes, communicate the decision to the State concerned.
Article 30
Suspension
Governments which shall come to power through unconstitutional means
shall not be allowed to participate in the activities of the Union.
Article 31
Cessation of Membership
1. Any State which desires to renounce its membership shall forward
shall inform Member States thereof. At the end of one year from
to apply with respect to the renouncing State, which shall thereby
cease to belong to the Union.
2. During the period of one year referred to in paragraph 1 of this
Article, any Member State wishing to withdraw from the Union
shall comply with the provisions of this Act and shall be bound
to discharge its obligations under this Act up to the date of its
withdrawal.
Constitutif Act of African Union
18
Article 32
Amendment and Revision
1. Any Member State may submit proposals for the amendment or
revision of this Act.
2. Proposals for amendment or revision shall be submitted to the
Chairman of the Commission who shall transmit same to Member
States within thirty (30) days of receipt thereof.
3. The Assembly, upon the advice of the Executive Council, shall
examine these proposals within a period of one year following
of paragraph 2 of this Article;
4. Amendments or revisions shall be adopted by the Assembly by
consensus or, failing which, by a two-thirds majority and submitted
respective constitutional procedures. They shall enter into force
with the Chairman of the Commission by a two-thirds majority of
the Member States.
Article 33
Transitional Arrangements and Final Provisions
1. This Act shall replace the Charter of the Organization of African
Unity. However, the Charter shall remain operative for a transitional
period of one year or such further period as may be determined
by the Assembly, following the entry into force of the Act, for the
purpose of enabling the OAU/AEC to undertake the necessary
measures regarding the devolution of its assets and liabilities to the
Union and all matters relating thereto.
2. The provisions of this Act shall take precedence over and supersede
any inconsistent or contrary provisions of the Treaty establishing
the African Economic Community.
Constitutif Act of African Union
19
3. Upon the entry into force of this Act, all necessary measures
shall be undertaken to implement its provisions and to ensure
the establishment of the organs provided for under the Act in
accordance with any directives or decisions which may be adopted
in this regard by the Parties thereto within the transitional period
stipulated above.
4. Pending the establishment of the Commission, the OAU General
Secretariat shall be the interim Secretariat of the Union.
5. This Act, drawn up in four (4) original texts in the Arabic, English,
French and Portuguese languages, all four (4) being equally
authentic, shall be deposited with the Secretary-General of the
OAU and, after its entry into force, with the Chairman of the
the Government of each signatory State. The Secretary-General
of the OAU and the Chairman of the Commission shall notify all
signatory States of the dates of the deposit of the instruments of
register the same with the Secretariat of the United Nations.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, WE have adopted this Act.
Done at Lome, Togo, this 11th day of July, 2000.
Constitutif Act of African Union
20
CONSTITUTIVE ACT OF THE AFRICAN UNION
ADOPTED BY THE THIRTY-SIXTH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
11 JULY, 2000 - LOME, TOGO
1. People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria
2. Republic of Angola
3. Republic of Benin
4. Republic of Botswana
5. Burkina Faso
6. Republic of Burundi
7. Republic of Cameroon
8. Republic of Cape Verde
9. Central African Republic
10. Republic of Chad
11. Islamic Federal Republic of the Comoros
12. Republic of the Congo
13. Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
14. Democratic Republic of Congo
15. Republic of Djibouti
16. Arab Republic of Egypt
17. State of Eritrea
18. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
19. Republic of Equatorial Guinea
20. Republic of Gabon
21. Republic of The Gambia
22. Republic of Ghana
23. Republic of Guinea
24. Republic of Guinea Bissau
25. Republic of Kenya
26. Kingdom of Lesotho
27. Republic of Liberia
Constitutif Act of African Union
21
28. Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
29. Republic of Madagascar
30. Republic of Malawi
31. Republic of Mali
32. Islamic Republic of Mauritania
33. Republic of Mauritius
34. Republic of Mozambique
35. Republic of Namibia
36. Republic of Niger
37. Federal Republic of Nigeria
38. Republic of Rwanda
39. Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic
40. Republic of Sao Tome and Principe
41. Republic of Senegal
42. Republic of Seychelles
43. Republic of Sierra Leone
44. Republic of Somalia
45. Republic of South Africa
46. Republic of Sudan
47. Kingdom of Swaziland
48. United Republic of Tanzania
49. Republic of Togo
50. Republic of Tunisia
51. Republic of Uganda
52. Republic of Zambia
53. Republic of Zimbabwe
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,
AU-2
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,
AU-2
2
Have agreed to the present Charter.
3
ESTABLISHMENT
Article I
1. The High Contracting Parties do by the present Charter establish an
Organization to be known as the ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY.
2. The Organization shall include the Continental African States, Madagascar
and other Islands surrounding Africa.
PURPOSES
Article II
1. The Organization shall have the following purposes:
(a) To promote the unity and solidarity of the African States;
(b) To coordinate and intensify their cooperation and efforts to achieve a
better life for the peoples of Africa;
(c) To defend their sovereignty, their territorial integrity and
independence;
(d) To eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa; and
(e) To promote international cooperation, having due regard to the
Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights.
2. To these ends, the Member States shall coordinate and harmonize their
general policies, especially in the following fields:
(a) Political and diplomatic cooperation;
(b) Economic cooperation, including transport and communications;
(c) Educational and cultural cooperation;
(d) Health, sanitation and nutritional cooperation;
(e) Scientific and technical cooperation; and
(f) Cooperation for defence and security.
PRINCIPLES
Article III
The Member States, in pursuit of the purposes stated in Article II solemnly affirm
and declare their adherence to the following principles:
4
1. The sovereign equality of all Member States.
2. Non-interference in the internal affairs of States.
3. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each State and for its
inalienable right to independent existence.
4. Peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, mediation, conciliation or
arbitration.
5. Unreserved condemnation, in all its forms, of political assassination as well as
of subversive activities on the part of neighbouring States or any other
States.
6. Absolute dedication to the total emancipation of the African territories which
are still dependent.
7. Affirmation of a policy of non-alignment with regard to all blocs.
MEMBERSHIP
Article IV
Each independent sovereign African State shall be entitled to become a Member of
the Organization.
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBER STATES
Article V
All Member States shall enjoy equal rights and have equal duties.
Article VI
The Member States pledge themselves to observe scrupulously the principles
enumerated in Article III of the present Charter.
5
INSTITUTIONS
Article VII
The Organization shall accomplish its purposes through the following principal
institutions:
1. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
2. The Council of Ministers.
3. The General Secretariat.
4. The Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration.
THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
Article VIII
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government shall be the supreme organ of the
Organization. It shall, subject to the provisions of this Charter, discuss matters of
common concern to Africa with a view to coordinating and harmonizing the general
policy of the Organization. It may in addition review the structure, functions and
acts of all the organs and any specialized agencies which may be created in
accordance with the present Charter.
Article IX
The Assembly shall be composed of the Heads of State and Government or their
duly accredited representatives and it shall meet at least once a year. At the request
of any Member State and on approval by a two-thirds majority of the Member
States, the Assembly shall meet in extraordinary session.
Article X
1. Each Member State shall have one vote.
2. All resolutions shall be determined by a two-thirds majority of the Members
of the Organization.
6
3. Questions of procedure shall require a simple majority. Whether or not a
question is one of procedure shall be determined by a simple majority of all
Member States of the Organization.
4. Two-thirds of the total membership of the Organization shall form a quorum
at any meeting of the Assembly.
Article XI
The Assembly shall have the power to determine its own rules of procedure.
THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS
Article XII
1. The Council of Ministers shall consist of Foreign Ministers or other
Ministers as are designated by the Governments of Member States.
2. The Council of Ministers shall meet at least twice a year. When requested by
any Member State and approved by two-thirds of all Member States, it shall
meet in extraordinary session.
Article XIII
1. The Council of Ministers shall be responsible to the Assembly of Heads of
State and Government. It shall be entrusted with the responsibility of
preparing conferences of the Assembly.
2. It shall take cognisance of any matter referred to it by the Assembly. It shall
be entrusted with the implementation of the decision of the Assembly of
Heads of State and Government. It shall coordinate inter-African
cooperation in accordance with the instructions of the Assembly conformity
with Article II (2) of the present Charter.
Article XIV
1. Each Member State shall have one vote.
2. All resolutions shall be determined by a simple majority of the members of
the Council of Ministers.
7
3. Two-thirds of the total membership of the Council of Ministers shall form a
quorum for any meeting of the Council.
Article XV
The Council shall have the power to determine its own rules of procedure.
GENERAL SECRETARIAT
Article XVI
There shall be a Secretary-General of the Organization, who shall be appointed by
the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The Secretary-General shall
direct the affairs of the Secretariat.
Article XVII
There shall be one or more Assistant Secretaries-General of the Organization, who
shall be appointed by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Article XVIII
The functions and conditions of service of the Secretary-General, of the Assistant
Secretaries-General and other employees of the Secretariat shall be governed by the
provisions of this Charter and the regulations approved by the Assembly of Heads
of State and Government.
1. In the performance of their duties the Secretary-General and the staff shall
not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other
authority external to the Organization. They shall refrain from any action
which might reflect on their position as international officials responsible
only to the Organization.
2. Each member of the Organization undertakes to respect the exclusive
character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff and
not to seek to influence them in the discharge of their responsibilities.
8
COMMISSION OF MEDIATION, CONCILIATION AND ARBITRATION
Article XIX
Member States pledge to settle all disputes among themselves by peaceful means
and, to this end decide to establish a Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and
Arbitration, the composition of which and conditions of service shall be defined by a
separate Protocol to be approved by the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government. Said Protocol shall be regarded as forming an integral part of the
present Charter.
SPECIALIZED COMMISSION
Article XX
The Assembly shall establish such Specialized Commissions as it may deem
necessary, including the following:
1. Economic and Social Commission.
2. Educational, Scientific, Cultural and Health Commission.
3. Defence Commission.
Article XXI
Each Specialized Commission referred to in Article XX shall be composed of the
Ministers concerned or other Ministers or Plenipotentiaries designated by the
Governments of the Member States.
Article XXII
The functions of the Specialized Commissions shall be carried out in accordance
with the provisions of the present Charter and of the regulations approved by the
Council of Ministers.
THE BUDGET
Article XXIII
9
The budget of the Organization prepared by the Secretary-General shall be
approved by the Council of Ministers. The budget shall be provided by
contribution from Member States in accordance with the scale of assessment of the
United Nations; provided, however, that no Member State shall be assessed an
amount exceeding twenty percent of the yearly regular budget of the Organization.
The Member States agree to pay their respective contributions regularly.
SIGNATURE AND RATIFICATION OF CHARTER
Article XXIV
1. This Charter shall be open for signature to all independent sovereign African
States and shall be ratified by the signatory States in accordance with their
respective constitutional processes.
2. The original instrument, done, if possible in African languages, in English
and French, all texts being equally authentic, shall be deposited with the
Government of Ethiopia which shall transmit certified copies thereof to all
independent sovereign African States.
3. Instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Government of
Ethiopia, which shall notify all signatories of each such deposit.
ENTRY INTO FORCE
Article XXV
This Charter shall enter into force immediately upon receipt by the Government of
Ethiopia of the instruments of ratification from two-thirds of the signatory States.
REGISTRATION OF CHARTER
Article XXVI
This Charter shall, after due ratification, be registered with the Secretariat of the
United Nations through the Government of Ethiopia in conformity with Article 102
of the Charter of the United Nations.
10
INTERPRETATION OF THE CHARTER
Article XXVII
Any question which may arise concerning the interpretation of this Charter shall be
decided by a vote of two-thirds of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government
of the Organization.
ADHESION AND ACCESSION
Article XXVIII
1. Any independent sovereign African State may at any time notify the
Secretary-General of its intention to adhere or accede to this Charter.
2. The Secretary-General shall, on receipt of such notification, communicate a
copy of it to all the Member States. Admission shall be decided by a simple
majority of the Member States. The decision of each Member State shall be
transmitted to the Secretary-General, who shall, upon receipt of the required
number of votes, communicate the decision to the State concerned.
MISCELLANEOUS
Article XXIX
The working languages of the Organization and all its institutions shall be, if
possible African languages, English and French, Arabic and Portuguese.
Article XXX
The Secretary-General may accept, on behalf of the Organization, gifts, bequests
and other donations made to the Organization, provided that this is approved by the
Council of Ministers.
Article XXXI
11
The Council of Ministers shall decide on the privileges and immunities to be
accorded to the personnel of the Secretariat in the respective territories of the
Member States.
CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Article XXXI
Any State which desires to renounce its membership shall forward a written
notification to the Secretary-General. At the end of one year from the date of such
notification, if not withdrawn, the Charter shall cease to apply with respect to the
renouncing State, which shall thereby cease to belong to the Organization.
AMENDMENT OF THE CHARTER
Article XXXII
This Charter may be amended or revised if any Member State makes a written
request to the Secretary-General to that effect; provided, however, that the
proposed amendment is not submitted to the Assembly for consideration until all
the Member States have been duly notified of it and a period of one year has
elapsed. Such an amendment shall not be effective unless approved by at least twothirds
of all the Member States.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, We, the Heads of African States and Governments have
signed this Charter.
Done in the City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,
25th day of May, 1963
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 1
SOLEMN DECLARATION ON THE
50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OAU/AU
We, Heads of State and Government of the African Union assembled to celebrate the
Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU established in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25
May 1963,
Evoking the uniqueness of the history of Africa as the cradle of humanity and a centre
of civilization, and dehumanized by slavery, deportation, dispossession, apartheid and
colonialism as well as our struggles against these evils, which shaped our common
destiny and enhanced our solidarity with peoples of African descent;
Recalling with pride, the historical role and efforts of the Founders of the Pan-African
Movement and the nationalist movements, whose visions, wisdom, solidarity and
commitment continue to inspire us;
Reaffirming our commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and Africa‟s aspiration for
greater unity, and paying tribute to the Founders of the Organization of African Unity
(OAU) as well as the African peoples on the continent and in the Diaspora for their
glorious and successful struggles against all forms of oppression, colonialism and
apartheid;
Mindful that the OAU/AU have been relentlessly championing for the complete
decolonization of the African continent and that one of the fundamental objectives is
unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each of its Member
States;
Stressing our commitment to build a united and integrated Africa;
Guided by the vision of our Union and affirming our determination to “build an
integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven and managed by its own citizens and
representing a dynamic force in the international arena”;
Determined to take full responsibility for the realisation of this vision;
Guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of our Union and our Shared
Values, in particular our commitment to ensure gender equality and a people centred
approach in all our endeavours as well as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
of our countries.
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:
I. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) overcame internal and external
challenges, persevered in the quest for continental unity and solidarity;
contributed actively to the liberation of Africa from colonialism and apartheid;
provided a political and diplomatic platform to generations of leaders on
AU-3
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 1
SOLEMN DECLARATION ON THE
50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE OAU/AU
We, Heads of State and Government of the African Union assembled to celebrate the
Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU established in the city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 25
May 1963,
Evoking the uniqueness of the history of Africa as the cradle of humanity and a centre
of civilization, and dehumanized by slavery, deportation, dispossession, apartheid and
colonialism as well as our struggles against these evils, which shaped our common
destiny and enhanced our solidarity with peoples of African descent;
Recalling with pride, the historical role and efforts of the Founders of the Pan-African
Movement and the nationalist movements, whose visions, wisdom, solidarity and
commitment continue to inspire us;
Reaffirming our commitment to the ideals of Pan-Africanism and Africa‟s aspiration for
greater unity, and paying tribute to the Founders of the Organization of African Unity
(OAU) as well as the African peoples on the continent and in the Diaspora for their
glorious and successful struggles against all forms of oppression, colonialism and
apartheid;
Mindful that the OAU/AU have been relentlessly championing for the complete
decolonization of the African continent and that one of the fundamental objectives is
unconditional respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each of its Member
States;
Stressing our commitment to build a united and integrated Africa;
Guided by the vision of our Union and affirming our determination to “build an
integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven and managed by its own citizens and
representing a dynamic force in the international arena”;
Determined to take full responsibility for the realisation of this vision;
Guided by the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of our Union and our Shared
Values, in particular our commitment to ensure gender equality and a people centred
approach in all our endeavours as well as respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
of our countries.
ACKNOWLEDGE THAT:
I. The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) overcame internal and external
challenges, persevered in the quest for continental unity and solidarity;
contributed actively to the liberation of Africa from colonialism and apartheid;
provided a political and diplomatic platform to generations of leaders on
AU-3
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 2
continental and international matters; and elaborated frameworks for Africa‟s
development and integration agenda through programmes such as NEPAD and
APRM.
II. The African Union (AU) carried forward our struggle for self-determination and
drive for development and integration; formulated a clear vision for our Union;
agreed that the ultimate goal of the Union is the construction of a united and
integrated Africa; instituted the principle of non-indifference by authorizing the
right of the Union to intervene in Member States in conformity with the
Constitutive Act; and laid the groundwork for the entrenchment of the rule of
law, democracy, respect for human rights, solidarity, promotion of gender
equality and the empowerment of Women and Youth in Africa.
III. The implementation of the integration agenda; the involvement of people,
including our Diaspora in the affairs of the Union; the quest for peace and
security and preventing wars and genocide such as the 1994 Rwandan
genocide; the alignment between our institutional framework and the vision of
the Union; the fight against poverty; inequality and underdevelopment; and,
assuring Africa‟s rightful place in the world, remain challenges.
WE HEREBY DECLARE:
A. On the African Identity and Renaissance
i) Our strong commitment to accelerate the African Renaissance by ensuring
the integration of the principles of Pan Africanism in all our policies and
initiatives;
ii) Our unflinching belief in our common destiny, our Shared Values and the
affirmation of the African identity; the celebration of unity in diversity and the
institution of the African citizenship;
iii) Our commitment to strengthen AU programmes and Member States
institutions aimed at reviving our cultural identity, heritage, history and Shared
values, as well as undertake, henceforth, to fly the AU flag and sing the AU
anthem along with our national flags and anthems;
iv) Promote and harmonize the teaching of African history, values and Pan
Africanism in all our schools and educational institutions as part of advancing
our African identity and Renaissance;
v) Promote people to people engagements including Youth and civil society
exchanges in order to strengthen Pan Africanism.
B. The struggle against colonialism and the right to self-determination of
people still under colonial rule
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 3
i) The completion of the decolonization process in Africa; to protect the right to
self-determination of African peoples still under colonial rule; solidarity with
people of African descend and in the Diaspora in their struggles against racial
discrimination; and resist all forms of influences contrary to the interests of the
continent;
ii) The reaffirmation of our call to end expeditiously the unlawful occupation of
the Chagos Archipelago, the Comorian Island of Mayotte and also reaffirm the
right to self-determination of the people of Western Sahara, with a view to
enable these countries and peoples, to effectively exercise sovereignty over
their respective territories.
C. On the integration agenda
Our commitment to Africa‟s political, social and economic integration agenda, and in this
regard, speed up the process of attaining the objectives of the African Economic
Community and take steps towards the construction of a united and integrated Africa.
Consolidating existing commitments and instruments, we undertake, in particular, to:
i) Speedily implement the Continental Free Trade Area; ensure free movement
of goods, with focus on integrating local and regional markets as well as
facilitate African citizenship to allow free movement of people through the
gradual removal of visa requirements;
ii) Accelerate action on the ultimate establishment of a united and integrated
Africa, through the implementation of our common continental governance,
democracy and human rights frameworks. Move with speed towards the
integration and merger of the Regional Economic Communities as the building
blocks of the Union.
D. On the agenda for social and economic development
Our commitment to place the African people, in particular women, children and the
youth, as well as persons with disabilities, at the centre of our endeavours and to
eradicate poverty. In this regard, we undertake to:
i) Develop our human capital as our most important resource, through education
and training, especially in science, technology and innovation, and ensure that
Africa takes its place and contributes to humanity, including in the field of
space sciences and explorations;
ii) Eradicate disease, especially HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Tuberculosis, ensure
that no African woman dies while giving life, address maternal, infant and child
mortality as well as provide universal health care services to our citizens;
iii) Accelerate Africa‟s infrastructural development, to link African peoples,
countries and economies; and help to drive social, cultural and economic
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 4
development. In this regard, we commit to meet our strategic targets in
transport, ICT, energy and other social infrastructure by committing national,
regional and continental resources to this end;
iv) Create an enabling environment for the effective development of the African
private sector through meaningfull public-private sector dialogue at all levels,
in order to foster socially responsive business, good corporate governance
and inclusive economic growth;
v) Take ownership of, use and develop, our natural endowments and resources,
through value addition, as the basis for industrialization; promote intra-Africa
trade and tourism, in order to foster economic integration, development,
employment and inclusive growth to the benefit of the African people;
vi) Also take ownership, preserve, protect and use our oceanic spaces and
resources, improve our maritime and transport industries to the benefit of the
continent and its peoples, including by contributing to food security;
vii) Preserve our arable land for current and future generations, develop our rural
economies, our agricultural production and agro-processing to eradicate
hunger and malnutrition, as well as achieve food security and self-sufficiency;
viii) Expand and develop urban infrastructure and develop planned approaches to
rapid urbanization and the emergence of new cities;
ix) Make our development agenda responsive to the needs of our peoples,
anchored on the preservation of our environment for current and future
generations, including in the fight against desertification and mitigation of the
effects of climate change, especially with regards to island states and landlocked
countries.
E. On peace and security
Our determination to achieve the goal of a conflict-free Africa, to make peace a reality
for all our people and to rid the continent of wars, civil conflicts, human rights violations,
humanitarian disasters and violent conflicts, and to prevent genocide. We pledge not to
bequeath the burden of conflicts to the next generation of Africans and undertake to end
all wars in Africa by 2020. In this regard, we undertake to:
i) Address the root causes of conflicts including economic and social disparities;
put an end to impunity by strengthening national and continental judicial
institutions, and ensure accountability in line with our collective responsibility
to the principle of non-indifference;
ii) Eradicate recurrent and address emerging sources of conflict including piracy,
trafficking in narcotics and humans, all forms of extremism, armed rebellions,
terrorism, transnational organized crime and new crimes such as cybercrime.
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 5
iii) Push forward the agenda of conflict prevention, peacemaking, peace support,
national reconciliation and post-conflict reconstruction and development
through the African Peace and Security Architecture; as well as, ensure
enforcement of and compliance with peace agreements and build Africa‟s
peace-keeping and enforcement capacities through the African Standby
Force;
iv) Maintain a nuclear-free Africa and call for global nuclear disarmament, nonproliferation
and peaceful uses of nuclear energy;
v) Ensure the effective implementation of agreements on landmines and the
non-proliferation of small arms and light weapons;
vi) Address the plight of internally displaced persons and refugees and eliminate
the root causes of this phenomenon by fully implementing continental and
universal frameworks.
F. On democratic governance
Our determination to anchor our societies, governments and institutions on respect for
the rule of law, human rights and dignity, popular participation, the management of
diversity, as well as inclusion and democracy. In this regard, we undertake to:
i) Strengthen democratic governance including through decentralized systems,
the rule of law and the capacities of our institutions to meet the aspirations of
our people;
ii) Reiterate our rejection of unconstitutional change of government, including
through any attempts to seize power by force but recognize the right of our
people to peacefully express their will against oppressive systems;
iii) Promote integrity, fight corruption in the management of public affairs and
promote leadership that is committed to the interests of the people;
iv) Foster the participation of our people through democratic elections and ensure
accountability and transparency.
G. On Determining Africa’s Destiny
Our determination to take responsibility for our destiny. We pledge to foster self-reliance
and self-sufficiency. In this regard, we undertake to:
i) Take ownership of African issues and provide African solutions to African
problems;
Assembly/AU/Decl.3(XXI)
Page 6
ii) Mobilize our domestic resources, on a predictable and sustainable basis to
strengthen institutions and advance our continental agenda;
iii) Take all necessary measures, using our rich natural endowments and human
resources, to transform Africa and make it a leading continent in the area of
innovation and creativity;
H. Africa’s place in the world
Our endeavour for Africa to take its rightful place in the political, security, economic, and
social systems of global governance towards the realization of its Renaissance and
establishing Africa as a leading continent. We undertake to:
i) Continue the global struggle against all forms of racism and discrimination,
xenophobia and related intolerances;
ii) Act in solidarity with oppressed countries and peoples;
iii) Advance international cooperation that promotes and defends Africa‟s
interests, is mutually beneficial and aligned to our Pan Africanist vision;
iv) Continue to speak with one voice and act collectively to promote our common
interests and positions in the international arena;
v) Reiterate our commitment to Africa‟s active role in the globalization process
and international forums including in Financial and Economic Institutions;
vi) Advocate for our common position for reform of the United Nations (UN) and
other global institutions with particular reference to the UN Security Council, in
order to correct the historical injustice with Africa as the only region without a
permanent seat.
We pledge to articulate the above ideals and goals in our national development plans
and in the development of the Continental Agenda 2063, through a people-driven
process for the realization of our vision for an integrated, people-centred, prosperous
Africa at peace with itself.
As Heads of State and Government, mindful of our responsibility and commitment, we
pledge to act together with our Peoples and the African Diaspora to realize our vision of
Pan Africanism and African Renaissance.
Adopted by the 21st Ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government of the African Union, at Addis Ababa, on 26 May 2013.
CM/Res.149-174
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE ELEVENTH ORDINARY SESSION
OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HELD IN ALGIERS, ALGERIA,
FROM 4 TO 12 SEPTEMBER 1968
AU-4
CM/Res.149-174
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE ELEVENTH ORDINARY SESSION
OF THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HELD IN ALGIERS, ALGERIA,
FROM 4 TO 12 SEPTEMBER 1968
AU-4
CM/Res. 150 (XI)
RESOLUTION ON NAMIBIA
The Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity, meeting in its Eleventh Ordinary
Session in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 to 12 September 1968,
Recalling its resolutions AHG/Res.87 (VII), AHG/Res. 97 (VIII), CM/Res. 109 (XX) and
CM/Res. 139 (X) on the question of South West Africa, as well as the United Nations General
Assembly resolutions 1515 (XVI), 2145 (XXI), 2248 (S-V), 2324 (XXII), 2335 (XXII) and
especially 2372 (XXII) of June 1968, which among other things changed the name of South
West Africa to Namibia,
Taking note of the Report of the Administrative Secretary General on the question of Namibia,
1. AGAIN STRONGLY REAFFIRMS the right of the people of Namibia to freedom
and independence in conformity with the Charter of the Organization of African
Unity, the United Nations Charter, and the relevant resolutions of the OAU, and of
the United Nations;
2. PLEDGES AGAIN its total and unconditional support to the people of Namibia in
their legitimate struggle;
3. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the South African regime for its persistent refusal to
implement the United Nations resolution terminating its mandate in Namibia and for
its continued defiance of world public opinion;
4. CONDEMNS FURTHER the South African regime for its forceful imposition of
Apartheid on the inhabitants of Namibia, a territory under the responsibility of the
United Nations;
5. CALLS UPON the Security Council once again, to give effective assistance to the
United Nations council for Namibia in carrying out its mandate in conformity with
the United Nations General Assembly resolution 2145 (XXI) and resolution 2248 (SV)
6. FURTHER CALLS UPON the Security Council to meet without delay in accordance
with operative paragraph 13 of General Assembly resolution 2372 (XXII) to invoke
the necessary provisions of Chapter VII of its Charter against the South African
regime for its persistent refusal to hand over the administration of Namibia to the UN;
7. CALLS UPON all States dedicated to the ideal of peace, freedom and independence
to co-operate fully with the United Nations Council for Namibia in the carrying out of
its mandate;
8. CALLS UPON the international community to render all moral and material
assistance directly or through the OAU or the UN to those who are struggling against
oppression in Namibia;
9. REITERATES its earlier recommendation to the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government contained in resolutions CM/Res. 139 (X), to nominate an African for
the post of United Nations High Commissioner for Namibia;
10. DECIDES to follow up developments on the question of Namibia.
ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY
Secretariat
Addis Ababa
CIAS/PLEN.2/REV.2
A - F
CIAS/Plen.3
A - C
CIAS/RES.1/REV.1
CIAS/Res.1/Rev.1
CIAS/Res.2
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE FIRST CONFERENCE
OF INDEPENDENT AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND
GOVERNMENT HELD IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA,
FROM 22 TO 25 MAY 1963
AU-5
ORGANIZATION OF AFRICAN UNITY
Secretariat
Addis Ababa
CIAS/PLEN.2/REV.2
A - F
CIAS/Plen.3
A - C
CIAS/RES.1/REV.1
CIAS/Res.1/Rev.1
CIAS/Res.2
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE FIRST CONFERENCE
OF INDEPENDENT AFRICAN HEADS OF STATE AND
GOVERNMENT HELD IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA,
FROM 22 TO 25 MAY 1963
AU-5
CIAS/Plen.2/Rev.2
- A -
Agenda Item II: DECOLONIZATION
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Having considered all aspects of the questions of decolonization,
Unanimously convinced of the imperious and urgent necessity of co-ordinating and
intensifying their efforts to accelerate the unconditional attainment of national
independence of all African territories still under foreign domination,
Reaffirming that it is the duty of all African Independent States to support
dependent peoples in Africa in their struggle for freedom and independence,
Noting with deep concern that most of the remaining dependent territories in Africa
are dominated by foreign settlers,
Convinced that the colonial powers, by their forcible imposition of the settlers to
control the governments and administrations of those territories, are thus
establishing colonial bases in the heart of Africa,
Have agreed unanimously to concert and co-ordinate their efforts and actions in this
field, and to this end have decided on the following measures:
1. DECLARES that the forcible imposition by the colonial powers of the settlers
to control the governments and administrations of the dependent territories
is a flagrant violation of the inalienable rights of the legitimate inhabitants of
the territories concerned;
2. INVITES the colonial powers to take the necessary measures for the
immediate application of the declaration of the Granting of Independence to
Colonial Countries and Peoples; and INSISTS that their determination to
maintain colonies or semi-colonies in Africa constitutes a menace to the
peace of the continent;
3. INVITES, further, the colonial powers, particularly the United Kingdom
with regard to Southern Rhodesia, not to transfer the powers and attributes
of sovereignty to foreign minority governments imposed on African peoples
by the use of force and under cover of racial legislation; and INSISTS that
the transfer of power to settler minorities would amount to the provision of
United Nations resolution 1514(XV) on violations of Independence;
4. REAFFIRMS its support of African nationalists of Southern Rhodesia and
solemnly declares that if power in Southern Rhodesia were to be usurped by
a racial white minority government, State Members of the Conference would
lend their effective moral and practical support to any legitimate measures
which the African nationalist leaders may devise for the purpose of
recovering such power and restoring it to the African majority; the
Conference also UNDERTAKES henceforth to concert the efforts of its
Members to take such measures as the situation demands against any State
according recognition to the minority government;
5. REAFFIRMS, further, that the territory of South-West Africa is an African
territory under international mandate and that any attempt by the Republic
of South Africa to annex it would be regarded as an act of aggression;
REAFFIRMS also its determination to render all necessary support to the
second phase of the South-West Africa case before the International Court of
Justice; REAFFIRMS STILL FURTHER, the inalienable right of the people
of South-West Africa to self-determination and independence;
6. INTERVENES EXPRESSLY with the Great Powers so that they cease,
without exception, to lend direct or indirect support or assistance to all those
colonialist governments which might use such assistance to suppress national
liberation movements, particularly the Portuguese Government which is
conducting a real war of genocide in Africa; INFORMS the allies of colonial
powers that they must choose between their friendship for the African people
and their support of powers that oppress African peoples;
7. DECIDES to send a delegation of Ministers of Foreign Affairs to speak on
behalf of all African States in the meetings of the Security Council which will
be called to examine the report of the United Nationals Committee of 24 on
the situation in African territories under Portuguese domination; (The
Conference has decided the members of the Delegation to be Liberia,
Tunisia, Madagascar and Sierra Leone);
8. DECIDES further the breaking off of diplomatic and consular relations
between all African States and Governments of Portugal and South Africa so
long as they persist in their present attitude towards decolonization;
9. ASKS FOR AN EFFECTIVE BOYCOTT of the foreign trade of Portugal
and South Africa by:
(a) prohibiting the import of goods from those two countries;
(b) closing African ports and airports to their ships and planes;
(c) forbidding the planes of those two countries to overfly the territories or all
African States;
10. EARNESTLY INVITES all national liberation movements to co-ordinate
their efforts by establishing common action fronts wherever necessary so as
to strengthen the effectiveness of their struggle and the rational use of the
concerted assistance given them;
11. ESTABLISHES a Co-ordinating Committee consisting of Algeria, Ethiopia,
Guinea, Congo (Leopoldville), Nigeria, Senegal, Tanganyika, United Arab
Republic and Uganda, with Headquarters in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanganyika,
responsible for harmonizing the assistance from African States and for
managing the Special Fund to be set up for that purpose;
12. ESTABLISHES a Special Fund to be raised by voluntary contribution of
Member States for the current year, the deadline for such contribution being
15 July 1963; REQUESTS the Co-ordinating Committee to propose the
necessary fund and apportionment among Member States to the Council of
Ministers so as to supply the necessary practical and financial aid to the
various African national liberation movements;
13. APPOINTS the day of 25 May as African Liberation Day so as to organize
popular demonstrations on that day to disseminate the recommendations of
the Summit Conference and to collect sums over and above the national
contributions for the Special Fund; (The Conference has decided that this
year it will be the opening day of the 18th Session of the General Assembly of
the United Nations);
14. DECIDES to receive on the territories of independent African States,
nationalists from liberation movements in order to give them training in all
sectors and afford young people all the assistance they need for their
education and vocational training;
15. DECIDES further to promote, in each State, the transit of all material aid
and the establishment of a body of volunteers in various fields, with a view to
providing the various African national liberation movements with the
assistance they need in the various sectors.
- B -
Agenda Item II: APARTHEID AND RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Having considered ALL ASPECTS of the questions of apartheid and racial
discrimination,
Unanimously convinced of the imperious and urgent necessity of co-ordinating and
intensifying their efforts to put an end to the South African Government’s criminal
policy of apartheid and wipe out racial discrimination in all its forms,
Have agreed unanimously to concert and co-ordinate their efforts and actions in this
field, and to this end have decided on the following measures:
(a) To grant scholarships, educational facilities and possibilities of employment in
African government services to refugees from South Africa;
(b) To support the recommendations [presented to the Security Council and the
General Assembly by the Special Committee of the United Nations on the apartheid
policies of the South African Government;
(c) To despatch a delegation of Foreign Ministers to inform the Security Council of
the explosive situation existing in South Africa; (The Conference has decided the
Members of the Delegation to be: Liberia, Tunisia, Madagascar and Sierra Leone);
(d) To co-ordinate concerted measures of sanction against the Government of South
Africa;
1. APPEALS to all States, and more particularly to those which have traditional
relations and co-operate with the Government of South Africa, to apply strictly UN
resolution 1761 (XVII) of 6 November 1962 concerning apartheid;
2. APPEALS to all governments who still have diplomatic, consular and economic
relations with the Government of South Africa to break off those relations and to
cease any other form of encouragement for the policy of apartheid;
3. STRESSES the great responsibility incurred by the colonial authorities
administering territories neighboring South Africa in the pursuit of the policy of
apartheid;
4. CONDEMNS racial discrimination in all its forms in Africa and all over the
world;
5. EXPRESS the deep concern aroused in all African peoples and governments by
the measures of racial discrimination taken against communities of African origin
living outside the continent and particularly in the United States of America;
EXPRESSES appreciation for the efforts of the Federal Government of the United
States of America to put an end to those intolerable malpractices which are likely
seriously to deteriorate relations between the African peoples and governments on
the one hand and the people and Government of the United States of America on
the other.
- C -
Agenda Item III: AFRICA AND THE UNITED NATIONS
The Summit Conference of Independent African states meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Believing that the United Nations is an important instrument for the maintenance
of peace and security among nations and for the promotion of the economic and
social advancement of all peoples,
Reiterating its desire to strengthen and support the United Nations,
Noting with regret that Africa as a region is not equitably represented in the
principal organs of the United Nations,
Convinced of the need for closer co-operation and co-ordination among the African
Member States of the United Nations,
1. REAFFIRMS its dedication to the purposes and principles of the United Nations
Charter and its acceptance of all obligations contained in the Charter, including
financial obligations;
2. INSISTS that Africa as a geographical region should have equitable
representation in the principal organs of the United Nations, particularly the
Security Council and the Economic and Social Council and its specialized agencies;
3. INVITES African Governments to instruct their representatives in the United
Nations to take all possible steps to achieve a more equitable representation of the
African region;
4. FURTHER INVITES African Governments to instruct their representatives in
the United Nations, without prejudice to their membership in and collaboration
with the African-Asian Group, to constitute a more effective African Group with a
permanent secretariat so as to bring about closer co-operation and better coordination
in matters of common concern.
- D -
Agenda Item III: GENERAL DISARMAMENT
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Having considered all aspects of the questions of general disarmament,
Unanimously convinced of the imperious and urgent necessity of co-ordinating and
intensifying their efforts to contribute to the achievement of a realistic disarmament
programme through the signing, by all States concerned, of a treaty on general and
complete disarmament under strict and effective international control,
Have agreed unanimously to concert and co-ordinate their efforts and actions in this
field, and to this end have decided on the following measures:
1. To affirm and respect the principle of declaring Africa a Denuclearized Zone to
oppose all nuclear and thermonuclear tests, as well as the manufacture of nuclear
weapons and to promote the peaceful uses of nuclear energy;
2. The destruction of existing nuclear weapons;
3. To undertake to bring about, by means of negotiation, the end of military
occupation of the African continent and the elimination of military bases and
nuclear tests, which elimination constitutes a basic element of African Independence
and Unity;
4. To appeal to the Great Powers to:
(a) reduce conventional weapons;
(b) put an end to the arms race; and
(c) sign a general and complete disarmament agreement under strict and effective
international control;
5. To appeal to the Great Powers, in particular to the Soviet Union and the United
States of America, to use their best endeavors to secure the objectives stated above.
- E -
Agenda Item IV: AREAS OF CO-OPERATION IN ECONOMIC PROBLEMS
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Concerned with the active share of the developing countries in world trade and at
the persistent deterioration of the terms of trade in their external commercial
relationships,
Conscious of the fact that owing to its extreme dependence on the export of primary
products, Africa, more than any other developing region, is adversely affected by
persistent deteriorations in export earnings,
Convinced of the necessity for concerted action by the African countries in order to
ensure a much more remunerative price from the sale of their primary products,
Mindful of the need to eliminate the barriers to trade among the African countries
and thereby to strengthen their economies,
Considering that economic development, including the expansion of trade on the
basis of fair and remunerative prices, should tend to eliminate the need for external
economic aid and that such external economic aid should be unconditional and
should not prejudice the independence of African States,
Considering the imperative necessity for African countries to pool their resources
and harmonize their activities in the economic field,
Aware of the necessity for the joint utilization of river basin resources, the study of
the use of Sahara Zone, the co-ordination of means of transport and communication
systems, and the provision of research facilities, all of which serve to stimulate
economic growth and expansion of trade, both regionally and inter-regionally,
Convinced that the acceleration of the rate of economic and social development of
the various African countries lies in the industrialization of these countries and the
diversification of their production,
Considering the serious problems arising from the great shortage of trained and
skilled personnel, the lack of qualified staff, scarce capital resources, grossly
inadequate infrastructure, limited outlets for industrial products and the far too
inadequate participation of all Africans in the economic construction of their
countries,
Desiring to explore the effects of regional economic groupings on the African
economy,
Noting with satisfaction that the Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission
for Africa has decided to convene a Conference of African Ministers of Finance, to
be held in Khartoum (Sudan) in July 1963, with a view to settling up an African
Development Bank,
RESOLVES TO:
APPOINT, pending the establishment of the Economic Commission of the
Organization, a preparatory economic committee to study, in collaboration with
governments and in consultation with the Economic Commission for Africa, inter
alia, the following questions and submit their findings to Member States;
(a) the possibility of establishing a free trade area between the various African
countries;
(b) the establishment of a common external tariff to protect the emergent industries
and the setting up of a raw material price stabilization fund;
(c) the restructuralization of international trade;
(d) the means for developing trade among African countries by the organization and
participation in African trade fairs and exhibitions and by the granting of transport
and transit facilities;
(e) the co-ordination of means of transport and the establishment of road, air and
maritime companies;
(f) the establishment of an African Payments and Clearing Union;
(g) a progressive freeing of national currencies from all non-technical external
attachments and the establishment of a Pan-African monetary zone; and;
(h) the ways and means of effecting the harmonization of existing and future
national development plans;
2. INVITES ECA to request its Executive Secretary to give the Commission of
Experts all the necessary support and assistance which it may require in the
fulfillment of its assignment;
3. WELCOMES the forthcoming Conference of African Ministers of Finance and to
give the respective Ministers of Finance instructions to take the necessary measures
for the rapid establishment of the African Development Bank;
4. NOTES with satisfaction the progress achieved by the Economic Commission for
Africa in establishing the Dakar Institute of Economic Development and Planning
and to affirm their profound interest in that institute and their intention of giving it
appropriate financial and other support;
5. WELCOMES the forthcoming World Conference on Trade and Development
which is to examine international trade problems in relation to the economic
development of emerging countries;
6. URGES all States concerned to conduct negotiations, in concert, with a view to
obtaining from the consumer countries real price stabilization and guaranteed
outlets on the world market so that the developing countries may derive
considerably greater revenue from international trade.
- F -
Agenda Item IV: AREAS OF CO-OPERATION - THE FUTURE OF CCTA
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Considering that at the last C.C.T.A. session in Dar-es-Salaam in January to
February 1963, the final adoption of the new CCTA convention was deferred until
the Heads of African States had had an opportunity to consider the role and
direction of the CCTA within the overall context of Pan-African Co-operation,
And in view of the fact that Article 23 of this new convention lays down as follows:
"Pending the signature and the ratification of this convention as provided in
article 16, the Parties having initialed this convention agree to apply it provisionally
as if it had entered into force as from the date of initialing, subject to any decision
which may be taken by the Heads of African and Malagasy States at the Conference
at Addis Ababa or at any subsequent conference on the role of the CCTA within the
overall context of Pan-African Co-operation",
DECIDES to maintain C.C.T.A. and to reconsider its role in order to bring it
eventually within the scope of the Organization of African States, which will have,
as one of its arms, an organ for technical, scientific and cultural co-operation.
CIAS/Plen.3
- A -
SOCIAL AND LABOUR MATTERS
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from the 22 to 25 May 1963,
Realizing the importance of social standard for the African peoples and the urgent
need for raising such standard,
Considering that co-operation amongst the African States in the social and labour
fields is vital and will contribute to the realization of a sound solidarity amongst
their peoples,
Believing that the coming together of youth from African States will create better
understanding and contribute to the realization of the desired African Unity,
Believing further that co-operation in the labour field amongst African States is
vital for our continent,
DECIDES that a Committee of Experts be called to convene within three months,
pending the setting up of the Economic and Social Commission provided for in
Article XX of the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, to submit a report
to the above Commission;
With regard to social and labour matters;
1. To conduct extensive studies on social and labour problems in the continent;
2. To lay down detailed programmes with a view to raising the social standard and
to strengthen inter-African co-operation through:
(a) The exchange of social and labour legislations;
(b) The establishment of African Youth Organization;
(c) The Organization of African Scouts Union and an annual continental jamboree;
(d) The Organization of an annual African Sports Games;
(e) The Organization of vocational training courses in which African workers will
participate;
(f) The establishment of an African Trade Union.
- E -
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from the 22 to 25 May 1963,
Desirous of strengthening educational and cultural ties amongst the peoples of
Africa,
Considering that the educational and cultural co-operation amongst African States
will break down linguistic barriers and promote understanding amongst the people
of the continent,
Believing that once this co-operation in the educational and cultural fields amongst
African States has been organized, co-ordinated and harmonized and fully
implemented, it will pave the way to the final goal, namely African Unity,
Realizing the lack of information media in various parts of the African continent
and the necessity of strengthening exchange of information amongst African States
in order to promote better understanding amongst their peoples,
1. DECIDES that a Committee of Experts be called to convene within three months,
pending the setting up of the Educational and Cultural Commission provided for in
Article XX of the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, to submit a report
to the above Commission on educational and cultural matters by taking into
account the resolutions which have been adopted by the Conferences of Casablanca
and Lagos;
2. PROPOSES:
(a) the establishment of an institute of African Studies to be a department of the
African University proposed by Ethiopia;
(b) the introduction as soon as possible of programmes in the major African
languages in the Broadcasting Stations of the various African States and the
exchanges of radio and television programmes;
(c) the establishment of an African News Agency.
- C -
HEALTH, SANITATION AND NUTRITION
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Realizing the importance of health standard for the African peoples and the urgent
need for raising such standard and improving sanitation and nutrition amongst the
people,
Considering that the co-operation amongst the African States in health, sanitation
and nutrition fields is vital and will contribute to the realization of stronger
solidarity amongst their peoples,
DECIDES that a Committee of Experts be called to convene within three months,
pending the setting up of the Commission on Health, Sanitation and Nutrition
provided for in Article XX of the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, to
submit a report to the above Commission:
With regard to health:
1. To conduct extensive studies on health problems facing the continent;
2. To lay down detailed programmes with a view to raising health standards among
the peoples and to strengthen inter-African co-operation through:
(a) The exchange of information about endemic and epidemic diseases and the
means to control them;
(b) The exchange of health legislations;
(c) The exchange of doctors, technicians and nurses;
(d) The reciprocal offer of scholarships for medical students and the establishment
of training courses on health, sanitation and nutrition;
3. To conduct, research in all African States on sanitation and nutrition and to
study ways and means to improve them.
CIAS/Res.1/Rev.1
SPECIAL RESOLUTION
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Having signed the Charter of the Organization of African Unity:
1. ESTABLISES forthwith a Provisional General Secretariat that will operate until
the Charter of the Organization of African Unity is applied;
2. This provisional General Secretariat is entrusted to the Ethiopian Government
and will essentially perform such common tasks as have been decided by the present
Conference; (The expert committee which will assist the provisional Secretariat to
be set up by the Ethiopian Government shall be composed of the following
countries: Congo (Brazzaville), Ghana, Nigeria, Niger, Uganda and United Arab
Republic).
3. DECIDES to establish the Provisional Headquarters of the General Secretariat in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia;
4. DECIDES further, that the first meeting of the Council of Ministers of the
Organization of African Unity, shall take place in Dakar, Senegal.
CIAS/Res.2
OFFICAL TEXT
The Summit Conference of Independent African States meeting in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, from 22 to 25 May 1963,
Considering the notable efforts made by the Imperial Government of Ethiopia in
organizing the first historic meeting of Heads of Independent African States and
Governments,
Greatly appreciating the warm and cordial welcome extended by the brother people
of Ethiopia to its guests,
Expresses its deep gratitude to His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, and to the
Government and people of Ethiopia, whose decisive role has helped to consolidate
African unity through the inception of the Organization of African Unity.
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone: 011-551 7700 Fax : 011-551 7844
website: www.au.int
Statement of the Chairperson of the AU
Commission on the situation in Gaza
Addis Ababa, 7 August 2022: The Chairperson of the African Union
Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemns the continued air
strike attacks by Israel on Gaza that have killed more than 30 Palestinian
civilians, including 6 children.
The Chairperson reiterates that targeting of civilians and the continued
illegal occupation by Israeli security forces of the Occupied Territories, are
in stark violation of international law, and complicate the search for a just
and lasting solution.
The Chairperson reaffirms the unwavering support of the African Union
with the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for an independent and
sovereign State with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Chairperson further calls for the urgent need of renewed and genuine
international efforts to find a just and lasting solution based on the right of
the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, within the framework of
relevant existing African Union and United Nations commitments.
AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
AU-6
Addis Ababa, ETHIOPIA P. O. Box 3243 Telephone: 011-551 7700 Fax : 011-551 7844
website: www.au.int
Statement of the Chairperson of the AU
Commission on the situation in Gaza
Addis Ababa, 7 August 2022: The Chairperson of the African Union
Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemns the continued air
strike attacks by Israel on Gaza that have killed more than 30 Palestinian
civilians, including 6 children.
The Chairperson reiterates that targeting of civilians and the continued
illegal occupation by Israeli security forces of the Occupied Territories, are
in stark violation of international law, and complicate the search for a just
and lasting solution.
The Chairperson reaffirms the unwavering support of the African Union
with the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for an independent and
sovereign State with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Chairperson further calls for the urgent need of renewed and genuine
international efforts to find a just and lasting solution based on the right of
the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, within the framework of
relevant existing African Union and United Nations commitments.
AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃO AFRICANA
AU-6
AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃOAFRICANA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia P. O. Box 3243 Telephone: +251 11 551 7700 Website: www.au.int
STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN
UNION COMMISSION ON THE AMERICAN DECISION TO
RECOGNIZE JERUSALEM AS THE CAPITAL OF THE
STATE OF ISRAEL
Addis Ababa, 6 December 2017: The Chairperson of the African
Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, notes with deep
concern the decision of the United States Government, announced
today, to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. He
regrets this decision, which will only increase tensions in the region
and beyond and further complicate the search for a solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the solidarity of the
African Union with the Palestinian people and its support to their
legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign State with East
Jerusalem as its capital. In this context, he calls for renewed
international efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict,
based on the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, living
side-by-side in peace and security, within the framework of relevant
African Union and United Nations pronouncements.
AU-7
AFRICAN UNION
UNION AFRICAINE
UNIÃOAFRICANA
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia P. O. Box 3243 Telephone: +251 11 551 7700 Website: www.au.int
STATEMENT OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE AFRICAN
UNION COMMISSION ON THE AMERICAN DECISION TO
RECOGNIZE JERUSALEM AS THE CAPITAL OF THE
STATE OF ISRAEL
Addis Ababa, 6 December 2017: The Chairperson of the African
Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, notes with deep
concern the decision of the United States Government, announced
today, to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Israel. He
regrets this decision, which will only increase tensions in the region
and beyond and further complicate the search for a solution to the
Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Chairperson of the Commission reiterates the solidarity of the
African Union with the Palestinian people and its support to their
legitimate quest for an independent and sovereign State with East
Jerusalem as its capital. In this context, he calls for renewed
international efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the conflict,
based on the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine, living
side-by-side in peace and security, within the framework of relevant
African Union and United Nations pronouncements.
AU-7
Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI)
Page 1
36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18‐19 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
DECLARATION
ON THE SITUATION IN PALESTINE AND THE MIDDLE EAST
WE, the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, meeting at the Thirty Sixth
Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa on 18 and19
February 2023.
TAKING NOTE of the report on the situation in the State of Palestine and the Middle East
and recalling all previous declarations, decisions and resolutions adopted by the
Organization of African Unity and the African Union on the situation in Palestine aimed at
achieving a lasting peace and security in the Middle East;
EXPRESSING our full support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle
against the Israeli occupation, represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization under
the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, in order to restore their inalienable rights,
including the right to self-determination, return of refugees and independence in their
State of Palestine existing side by side with the State of Israel;
REITERATING our desire and commitment to support a peaceful and just solution to the
Arab-Israeli conflict in accordance with the principles of international law and all relevant
United Nations resolutions which call for the establishment of an independent and
sovereign State of Palestine on the borders of 04 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its
capital, by ending the long-standing Israeli occupation, applying the principle of a two-
State solution, finding a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees and guaranteeing
their right to return in conformity with the United Nations Resolution 194 (III);
RENEWING our call for the launch of a credible political process to end the Israeli
occupation and to dismantle the system of apartheid on the territory of the State of
Palestine in order to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East
through a multilateral international mechanism, within a specific time frame, in
accordance with the international consensus;
NOTES with dismay the unceasing Israeli illegal settlements, a mechanism for gradual
annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories and constitutes a major obstacle to
ending the occupation and achieving peace in accordance with the international
consensus. Also, the continuation of Israel in implementing annexation schemes,
imposing control over the Palestinian territories, changing the demographic structure,
imposing new realities on the ground and consolidating the apartheid regime.
DISAPPROVING of Israel's continued intransigence in rejecting the repeated initiatives
and calls of the Palestinian leadership to engage in peaceful negotiations leading to the
granting of an independent State for the Palestinians, in accordance with the principle of
a two-State solution;
AU-8 Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI)
Page 1
36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18‐19 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
DECLARATION
ON THE SITUATION IN PALESTINE AND THE MIDDLE EAST
WE, the Heads of State and Government of the African Union, meeting at the Thirty Sixth
Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union held in Addis Ababa on 18 and19
February 2023.
TAKING NOTE of the report on the situation in the State of Palestine and the Middle East
and recalling all previous declarations, decisions and resolutions adopted by the
Organization of African Unity and the African Union on the situation in Palestine aimed at
achieving a lasting peace and security in the Middle East;
EXPRESSING our full support for the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle
against the Israeli occupation, represented by the Palestine Liberation Organization under
the leadership of President Mahmoud Abbas, in order to restore their inalienable rights,
including the right to self-determination, return of refugees and independence in their
State of Palestine existing side by side with the State of Israel;
REITERATING our desire and commitment to support a peaceful and just solution to the
Arab-Israeli conflict in accordance with the principles of international law and all relevant
United Nations resolutions which call for the establishment of an independent and
sovereign State of Palestine on the borders of 04 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its
capital, by ending the long-standing Israeli occupation, applying the principle of a two-
State solution, finding a just solution to the issue of Palestinian refugees and guaranteeing
their right to return in conformity with the United Nations Resolution 194 (III);
RENEWING our call for the launch of a credible political process to end the Israeli
occupation and to dismantle the system of apartheid on the territory of the State of
Palestine in order to achieve a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East
through a multilateral international mechanism, within a specific time frame, in
accordance with the international consensus;
NOTES with dismay the unceasing Israeli illegal settlements, a mechanism for gradual
annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories and constitutes a major obstacle to
ending the occupation and achieving peace in accordance with the international
consensus. Also, the continuation of Israel in implementing annexation schemes,
imposing control over the Palestinian territories, changing the demographic structure,
imposing new realities on the ground and consolidating the apartheid regime.
DISAPPROVING of Israel's continued intransigence in rejecting the repeated initiatives
and calls of the Palestinian leadership to engage in peaceful negotiations leading to the
granting of an independent State for the Palestinians, in accordance with the principle of
a two-State solution;
AU-8
Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI)
Page 2
36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18‐19 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
REAFFIRMING our support for the request of the Palestinian President to the Secretary-
General of the United Nations to work vigorously to develop an international plan to end
the occupation of the territory of the State of Palestine in order to achieve a just and a
comprehensive peace in the region;
FURTHER REAFFIRMING the centrality of the just cause of Palestine and the
steadfastness of our supportive position and decisions based on our common values
against colonialism, oppression and apartheid and the historically established African
solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate quest for freedom and an
independent state;
URGING all Member States to continue supporting the Palestinian cause guided by the
values and principles of the African Union, and to refrain from any action that would
undermine the principles of solidarity with the Palestinian people;
FOLLOWING with concerns the grave developments in the occupied Palestinian
territories and the escalation of violations by the Israeli occupation authorities and settlers
against the Palestinian civilians and their properties, the confiscation of land and the
replacement of settlers, and the continued desecration and attempts to Judaize the
Islamic and Christian holy sites;
REJECTING the Israeli violations of the fundamental rights and freedoms of the
Palestinian people by continuing the blockade of the Gaza Strip, and the consolidation of
an apartheid regime that discriminates on the basis of ethnicity and religion.
WE HEREBY DECLARE THE FOLLOWING:
1. AFFIRM the need to resolve the Palestinian issue to achieve a just and
comprehensive peace in the Middle East region by ending the Israeli occupation
of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, on the
basis of the two-state solution in conformity with the international law. Also, the
need to launch a credible peace process, in accordance with the agreed
international terms of reference, within a specific time frame, leading to the
establishment of an independent Palestinian State on the borders of 04 June 1967
with East Jerusalem as its capital.
2. RENEW our support for the initiative of His Excellency, the Palestinian President
Mahmoud Abbas for peace and his repeated calls, including his last speech before
the United Nations General Assembly on 23 September 2022, and his call to the
Secretary-General of the United Nations to develop an international plan to end
the occupation of the State of Palestine in order to achieve a just and
comprehensive peace in the region, and the State of Israel is encouraged to seize
this opportunity to achieve peace.
Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI)
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36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18‐19 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
3. SUPPORT the renewal of the State of Palestine's request for full membership in
the United Nations, and URGE all Member States to support this request aimed at
holding the Israeli occupation accountable for war crimes and crimes against
humanity committed and continues to commit against the Palestinian people.
4. ACKNOWLEDGE the request for an Advisory Opinion by the UN General
Assembly Resolution XX/XXX (2023) on the “Israeli practices affecting the human
rights of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including
East Jerusalem” to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
5. REQUEST Member States and the international community to observe the
provisions of international law and relevant resolutions of the United Nations and
the African Union, and to work to end the Israeli occupation, which undermine the
basic fundamentals of the international legal order. Member States should not
recognize the illegal status that Israel has established in the Palestinian and Arab
territories, including East Jerusalem, which perpetuates the system of colonialism
and apartheid.
6. FURTHER REQUEST Member States to end all direct and indirect trade, scientific
and cultural exchanges with the State of Israel. Moreover, to take all measures to
stop such dealings in accordance with the resolutions of United Nations, in
particular resolution 2334 (2016), paragraph 5, and the relevant decisions of the
African Union.
7. ALSO REQUEST the AU Commission, through the Office of the Legal Counsel, to
exert all necessary efforts to make an AU written submission in accordance with
Article 66 of the ICJ Statute and to carry out the necessary campaign to bring more
AU Member States and other Organizations to support the Palestinian people in
their legitimate and legal struggle against occupation as well as to make
submissions to the advisory proceedings before the ICJ. Accordingly,
AUTHORIZES the PRC to adopt the necessary budget for the implementation of
these activities,
8. CALL on Member States to respect the legal status of East Jerusalem as the
occupied capital of the State of Palestine, and reject any actions taken by Israel
against the Palestinian people, their rights and their property, that affect the legal
status and demographic composition of the city of Jerusalem guided by Security
Council Resolutions 476 and 478 of 1980 and the General Assembly Resolution
No. 10/19 of 2017.
9. CONDEMN the Israeli policies in the Holy City aimed at Judaizing the Islamic and
Christian holy sites especially the establishment of the spatial and temporal
division in the Holy Mosque, and the forcible displacement of Jerusalemites,
replacing them with settlers to create a demographic and geographical reality that
Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI)
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36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18‐19 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
perpetuates the apartheid system, in an effort to create a single racist state that
promotes religious intolerance.
10. ALSO CONDEMN the Israeli colonialist practices in the Occupied Palestinian
Territories, discriminating between the Palestinian and Israeli people on the basis
of race and religion, and giving the Israelis more rights and privileges over the
Palestinian landowners. The international community is called on to dismantle and
prohibit the Israeli system of colonialism and apartheid in accordance with the
International Convention for the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of
Apartheid adopted in 30 November 1973.
11. FURTHER CONDEMN the Israel's continued policy of field execution,
administrative and arbitrary detention, ill-treatment and medical neglect of
Palestinian prisoners, which constitute war crimes under the international
humanitarian law. The Israeli occupation authorities are called on to release all
Palestinian prisoners, particularly children, women, the elderly and the sick, to
ensure their safety. The Israeli authorities are called on to end its policy of keeping
the corpses of martyrs and prisoners, which is contrary to the provisions of
international laws.
12. DEPLORE the brutal and repeated targeting of medical and media personnel,
elderly, women, and children in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law,
in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention and condemn the assassination of
Palestinian journalist Ms. Shirin Abu Aqila while she was reporting, and SUPPORT
an international and independent investigation to uncover the circumstances of her
death.
13. REJECT the barbaric and ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip, which
recently targeted the Strip in August 2022, resulting in more than forty martyrs and
the injury of hundreds of civilian victims, in addition to the demolition of civilian
homes and properties, and the displacement of thousands of civilians.
14. REITERATE the call on the international community to ensure the protection of the
Palestinian people in accordance with Security Council resolutions 605 of 1987,
672 and 673 of 1990, and 904 of 1994, and resolutions adopted by the General
Assembly, including its emergency special session in July 2018 and we stand
ready to support the work of an international mission to provide protection to the
Palestinian people.
15. FURTHER REITERATE our grave concern at the deterioration of the economic
and humanitarian situation in Gaza Strip, which has become an alarming
humanitarian catastrophe requiring urgent relief as a result of the Israeli blockade
and the repeated military aggression and make efforts to enable geographic and
political unity in the Palestinian territories between the West Bank and the Gaza
Strip.
Assembly/AU/Decl.2(XXXVI)
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36th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, 18‐19 February 2023, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
16. APPLAUD the efforts of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria to unify the
Palestinian parties and welcome the signing by the Palestinian parties of the
"Algiers Declaration", which emanated from the "Conference of Reunion for
Palestinian National Unity" held in Algiers on 11-13 October 2022. We look forward
to the completion of efforts and noble endeavors to achieve the final steps that will
unite the Palestinian parties within the framework of the Palestine Liberation
Organization- the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestinian people.
FURTHER APPLAUD the efforts of the Arab Republic of Egypt to promote peace
and reconciliation between the Palestinians within the framework of the Palestine
Liberation Organization, the sol and legitimate representative of the Palestinian
Peoples.
17. WELCOME the international consensus to extend the legal mandate of the United
Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
(UNRWA) until 2026. We call on the international community to support and secure
the financial resources, contributions enabling this UN Agency to continue playing
its role towards the Palestine refugees.
18. REAFFIRM that a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East
requires the complete Israeli withdrawal from all Palestinian and Arab territories,
including the Syrian Golan Heights and the territories still occupied in southern
Lebanon. Also, the embodiment of the independence of the sovereign State of
Palestine on the borders of 04 June 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and
the return of Palestinian refugees to their homes.
ORGANIZATION OF ORGANISATION DE L’UNITE
AFRICAN UNITY AFRICAINE
Secretariat Secretariat
P.O. Box 3243 B. P. 3243
Addis Ababa
AHG/Res. 53(V)
AHG/Res. 54 (V)
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTE BY THE FIFTH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
HELD IN ALGIERS, FROM 13 TO 16 SEPTEMBER 1968
AU-9
ORGANIZATION OF ORGANISATION DE L’UNITE
AFRICAN UNITY AFRICAINE
Secretariat Secretariat
P.O. Box 3243 B. P. 3243
Addis Ababa
AHG/Res. 53(V)
AHG/Res. 54 (V)
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTE BY THE FIFTH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
HELD IN ALGIERS, FROM 13 TO 16 SEPTEMBER 1968
AU-9
AHG/Res. 53 (V)
RESOLUTION ON THE AGGRESSION
AGAINST THE U.A.R.
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African
Unity meeting in its Fifth Ordinary Session, in Algiers, Algeria, from 13 to 16
September 1968,
Having heard the statement of the UAR Minister for Foreign Affairs on the
situation on the Middle East in general and the U.A.R. in particular,
1. TAKES NOTE of the statement made by the U.A.R. Minister for Foreign
Affairs;
2. REAFFIRMS in this respect its support for the U.A.R.;
3. CALLS FOR the withdrawal of foreign troops from all Arab territories
occupied since the 5th June, 1967 in accordance with the Resolution taken by
the Security Council on 22 November 1967, and appeals to all Member States
of the OAU to use their influence to ensure a strict implementation of this
Resolution.
ORGANIZATION OF ORGANISATION DE L’UNITE
AFRICAN UNITY AFRICAINE
Secretariat Secretariat
P.O. Box 3243 B. P. 3243
Addis Ababa
AHG/Res. 55(VI)
AHG/Res. 60 (VI)
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SIXTH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
HELD IN ADDIS ABABA FROM 6 TO 10 SEPTEMBER 1969
AU-10
ORGANIZATION OF ORGANISATION DE L’UNITE
AFRICAN UNITY AFRICAINE
Secretariat Secretariat
P.O. Box 3243 B. P. 3243
Addis Ababa
AHG/Res. 55(VI)
AHG/Res. 60 (VI)
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE SIXTH ORDINARY SESSION OF
THE ASSEMBLY OF HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT
HELD IN ADDIS ABABA FROM 6 TO 10 SEPTEMBER 1969
AU-10
AHG/Res.57/Rev.1 (VI)
RESOLUTION
ON THE SITUATION IN THE UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African
Unity, meeting in its Sixth Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 6 to 10
September 1969,
Having heard the statement by His Excellency the Minister of National
Guidance, Head of the UAR Delegation, on the situation prevailing in the Middle East
and more particularly in the UAR, having regard to fresh developments and events in
that area,
Deeply concerned at the worsening of the situation in the area, owing to the fact
that the withdrawal of the occupation forces has not been carried out, despite the
resolutions of the Security Council (resolution 242 of 22 November 1967) and of the
OAU (AHG/Res.53(V) and AHG/St.2(IV)),
Recalling resolution 242 of 22 November 1967 of the United Nations Security
Council,
Reaffirming its opposition to the occupation by forces of any party or the whole
of one country by another,
1. TAKES formal note of the statement by His Excellency the Minister of
National Guidance and of the determination of the U.A.R., which it has
reiterated, to implement resolution 242 of the Security Council dated 22
November 1977;
2. REAFFIRMS its solidarity with the UAR;
3. REAFFIRMS emphatically the contents of resolution AHG/Res.53 (V)
adopted at the Fifth Summit Meeting in Algiers, in September 1968, by the
Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, which reads as
follows:-
AHG/Res.57/Rev.1 (VI)
“The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of
African Unity, meeting in its Fifth Ordinary Session in Algiers, from 13 to 16 September
1968;
Having heard the statement of the UAR Minister for Foreign Affairs on the
situation in the Middle East in general and the UAR in particular,
1. Takes note of the statement by the UAR Minister for Foreign Affairs;
2. Reaffirms in this respect its support for the UAR;
3. Calls for the withdrawal of foreign troops from all Arab territories occupied
since 5 June 1967, in accordance with the resolution taken by the Security
Council of 22 November 1967, and appeals to all Member States of the OAU
to use their influence to ensure a strict implementation of this Resolution”.
AHG/Res. 63 (VII)
RESOLUTION
ON THE CONTINUED AGGRESSION
AGAINS U A R
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African
Unity, meeting in its Seventh Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1 to 3
September 1970,
Having heard the statement by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Head of
the United Arab Republic delegation, on the situation prevailing in the Middle East in
general, and in the United Arab Republic in particular.
Recalling its resolution AHG/Res.53(V) of September 1968 calling for the
withdrawal of foreign troops from all Arab territories occupied since 5 June 1967 in
accordance with the Security Council resolution 242 of November 22nd, 1967, and
appealing to all Member States of the Organization of African Unity to use their
influence to ensure a strict implementation of that resolution,
Recalling further its resolution AHG/Res. 57 (VI) of September 1969,
reaffirming emphatically the contents of its previous resolution AHG/Res.53(V) of
September 1968;
Reaffirming its opposition to the occupation by forces of any part or the whole of
one country by another;
1. TAKES FORMAL NOTE of the statement by the Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs, Head of the United Arab Republic delegation;
2. EXPRESSES its grave concern that for over three years a part of the
territory of a sister African State is still under occupation by foreign troops,
which will threaten world peace;
3. REAFFIRMS its resolutions AHG/Res. 53 (V) of September 1968 and
AHG/Res. 57 (VI) of September 1968 calling for the withdrawal of foreign
troops from all occupied Arab territories to the lines of June 5 1967, in
AU-11
AHG/Res. 63 (VII)
RESOLUTION
ON THE CONTINUED AGGRESSION
AGAINS U A R
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African
Unity, meeting in its Seventh Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 1 to 3
September 1970,
Having heard the statement by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Head of
the United Arab Republic delegation, on the situation prevailing in the Middle East in
general, and in the United Arab Republic in particular.
Recalling its resolution AHG/Res.53(V) of September 1968 calling for the
withdrawal of foreign troops from all Arab territories occupied since 5 June 1967 in
accordance with the Security Council resolution 242 of November 22nd, 1967, and
appealing to all Member States of the Organization of African Unity to use their
influence to ensure a strict implementation of that resolution,
Recalling further its resolution AHG/Res. 57 (VI) of September 1969,
reaffirming emphatically the contents of its previous resolution AHG/Res.53(V) of
September 1968;
Reaffirming its opposition to the occupation by forces of any part or the whole of
one country by another;
1. TAKES FORMAL NOTE of the statement by the Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs, Head of the United Arab Republic delegation;
2. EXPRESSES its grave concern that for over three years a part of the
territory of a sister African State is still under occupation by foreign troops,
which will threaten world peace;
3. REAFFIRMS its resolutions AHG/Res. 53 (V) of September 1968 and
AHG/Res. 57 (VI) of September 1968 calling for the withdrawal of foreign
troops from all occupied Arab territories to the lines of June 5 1967, in
AU-11
AHG/Res. 63 (VII)
implementation of the Security Council Resolution 242 of November 22nd,
1967;
4. EXPRESSES its solidarity with the United Arab Republic and appeals to all
the Member States of the OAU to support the present efforts of the United
Nations special representative to implement the Security Council resolution
242 of November 22nd 1967, taking into account that it cannot be
implemented conditionally or partially;
5. REQUESTS all Member States of OAU to use their influence to ensure the
full implementation of that resolution.
AHG/Res. 67 (IX)
RESOLUTION ON THE CONTINUED AGGRESSION
AGAINST THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African
Unity, meeting in its Ninth Ordinary Session in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, from 12 to
15 June 1972,
Having examined the report of the outgoing Chairman of OAU on the
implementation of resolution AHG/Res. 66 (VIII) and decision AHG/Des.62(VIII),
Having heard the declaration of the Head of delegation of the Arab Republic of
Egypt,
Recalling all the previous resolution relating to the Middle East and in particular
resolution AHG/Res.66(VIII) entitled “Continued aggression against the UAR” calling
for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the Arab territories to the pre-
June 5 1967 lines,
Reaffirming its solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt,
Taking into consideration the UN General Assembly resolution 2799 (XXVI) of
13 December 1971,
Deploring Israel’s rejection of resolution 2799 (XXVI) of the General Assembly
of 13 December 1971, as well as its refusal to respond favorably to the initiative of OAU,
in particular OAU’s demand concerning the affirmation of the principle of nonannexation
of the occupied Arab territories,
Considering all the efforts exerted by the OAU Committee of Ten for the
implementation of resolution AHG/Res. 66(VIII) and decision AHG/Res. 62 (VIII),
Considering the substance of the Egyptian and Israeli replies to the
memorandum of the OAU Committee of Ten,
AU-12 AHG/Res. 67 (IX)
RESOLUTION ON THE CONTINUED AGGRESSION
AGAINST THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT
The Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African
Unity, meeting in its Ninth Ordinary Session in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco, from 12 to
15 June 1972,
Having examined the report of the outgoing Chairman of OAU on the
implementation of resolution AHG/Res. 66 (VIII) and decision AHG/Des.62(VIII),
Having heard the declaration of the Head of delegation of the Arab Republic of
Egypt,
Recalling all the previous resolution relating to the Middle East and in particular
resolution AHG/Res.66(VIII) entitled “Continued aggression against the UAR” calling
for the immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the Arab territories to the pre-
June 5 1967 lines,
Reaffirming its solidarity with the Arab Republic of Egypt,
Taking into consideration the UN General Assembly resolution 2799 (XXVI) of
13 December 1971,
Deploring Israel’s rejection of resolution 2799 (XXVI) of the General Assembly
of 13 December 1971, as well as its refusal to respond favorably to the initiative of OAU,
in particular OAU’s demand concerning the affirmation of the principle of nonannexation
of the occupied Arab territories,
Considering all the efforts exerted by the OAU Committee of Ten for the
implementation of resolution AHG/Res. 66(VIII) and decision AHG/Res. 62 (VIII),
Considering the substance of the Egyptian and Israeli replies to the
memorandum of the OAU Committee of Ten,
AU-12
AHG/Res. 67 (IX)
1. TAKES NOTE of the report of the outgoing Chairman of OAU and keenly
appreciates the efforts exerted by the Chairman and members of the
Committee of Ten;
2. CONGRATULATES Egypt for its co-operation with the Committee of Ten,
its positive attitude and its continuous efforts for the restoration of peace in
the region;
3. DEPLORES Israel’s negative and obstructive attitude which prevents the
resumption of the Jarring mission;
4. INVITES Israel to publicly declare its adherence to the principle of nonannexation
of territories through the use of force;
5. INVITES Israel to withdraw immediately from all the occupied Arab
territories to pre-June 5 1967 lines in accordance with the Security Council
resolution 242 of 22 November 1967;
6. REAFFIRMS in the name of African solidarity and in pursuance of Article
II, paragraph C, of the OAU Charter, its effective support to the Arab
Republic of Egypt in its legitimate struggle to recover totally and by every
means its territorial integrity;
7. URGES all Member States of the OAU to give Egypt every assistance and
calls on all members of the United Nations Organization to intensify their
action, in both international forums and the UN Security Council and
General Assembly, to take all initiatives for the immediate and unconditional
withdrawal of Israel from the Arab territories and the condemnation of
Israel’s attitude which impedes the implementation of Security Council
resolution 242 based on the UN Charter which forbids, under any pretext, the
acquisition of territories through the use of force;
AHG/Res. 67 (IX)
8. REQUESTS all Member States of the United Nations Organization to refrain
from supplying Israel with any weapons, military equipment or moral
support likely to enable it to strengthen its military potential and to
perpetuate its occupation of Arab and African territories;
9. DECIDES to follow closely the development of the situation in the Middle
East.
AHG/Res. 70(X)
RESOLUTION
ON THE CONTINUED OCCUPATION BY ISRAEL OF PART OF
THE TERRITORY OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT
The OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government meeting in its Tenth
Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa from 27 – 28 May 1973,
Having heard the statement of His Excellency Al Shafei Vice President of the
Arab Republic of Egypt on the situation in the Middle East in general, and in
particular on that resulting from the continued occupation of part the territory of
Egypt since the Israeli aggression of 5 June 1967,
Recalling all OAU resolutions adopted in this respect and especially Resolution
AHG/Res.67 (IX) of the Rabat Summit Conference,
Reaffirming Resolution 2949 (XXVII) of the UN General Assembly passed in
December 1972,
Aware of the danger emanating from the deterioration of the situation in the
North-East of Africa as a result of the continued aggression perpetrated against the
territory of Egypt and other Arab territories – a danger which threatens the security,
territorial integrity and unity of our continent,
Noting with deep concern that despite the numerous resolutions of the OAU
and UN, calling upon it to withdraw from all occupied African and Arab territories,
Israel not only persists in refusing to implement these resolutions, but also continues to
practice a policy with a view to creating in the said territories a state of fait accompli
aimed at serving its expansionist designs,
Deploring the systematic obstruction by Israel of all the efforts exerted to reach
a peaceful solution to the problem at both the international and African levels,
AU-13 AHG/Res. 70(X)
RESOLUTION
ON THE CONTINUED OCCUPATION BY ISRAEL OF PART OF
THE TERRITORY OF THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT
The OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government meeting in its Tenth
Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa from 27 – 28 May 1973,
Having heard the statement of His Excellency Al Shafei Vice President of the
Arab Republic of Egypt on the situation in the Middle East in general, and in
particular on that resulting from the continued occupation of part of the territory of
Egypt since the Israeli aggression of 5 June 1967,
Recalling all OAU resolutions adopted in this respect and especially Resolution
AHG/Res.67 (IX) of the Rabat Summit Conference,
Reaffirming Resolution 2949 (XXVII) of the UN General Assembly passed in
December 1972,
Aware of the danger emanating from the deterioration of the situation in the
North-East of Africa as a result of the continued aggression perpetrated against the
territory of Egypt and other Arab territories – a danger which threatens the security,
territorial integrity and unity of our continent,
Noting with deep concern that despite the numerous resolutions of the OAU
and UN, calling upon it to withdraw from all occupied African and Arab territories,
Israel not only persists in refusing to implement these resolutions, but also continues to
practice a policy with a view to creating in the said territories a state of fait accompli
aimed at serving its expansionist designs,
Deploring the systematic obstruction by Israel of all the efforts exerted to reach
a peaceful solution to the problem at both the international and African levels,
AU-13
AHG/Res. 70(X)
Recalling in this respect the negative attitude of Israel towards the mission of
the ten African Heads of State mandated by the OAU to work for the implementation
of Security Council resolution 242 of 22 November 1967, which stipulated in
particular, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the occupied territories, in
conformity with the principle of the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territories by
force.
Noting with satisfaction that the Arab Republic of Egypt has spared no effort to
reach a just and durable solution of the problem, and that these efforts have been
characterised by the constructive co-operation of Egypt with international as well as
African forums,
Noting further that the intransigence of Israel and its systematic refusal to
abide by the will of the international community, constitutes a threat to the security of
the Continent,
Fully aware that the massive military, economic and other aids, as well as the
political and moral support granted to Israel by certain powers enable it to pursue its
aggression and encourage it to commit acts of terrorism especially the tragic act of
shooting down the Libyan civilian aircraft which resulted in the loss of innocent lives,
1. TAKES NOTE of the statement of His excellency H. El Shafei, Vice
President of the Arab Republic of Egypt,
2. STRONGLY CONDEMNS the negative attitude of Israel, its acts of
terrorism and its obstruction of all efforts aimed at a just and equitable
solution of the problem in accordance with the Security Council Resolution
242 of 22 November 1967;
3. CALLS ONCE MORE for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of
Israeli forces from all occupied African and Arab territories;
4. DECLARES that all changes effected by Israel in the occupied territories
are null and void, and pledges not to recognize any changes leading to a fait
AHG/Res. 70(X)
accompli or likely to jeopardize the territorial integrity of the countries
which are victims if the Israeli aggression;
5. RECOGNIZES that the respect of the inalienable rights of the people of
Palestine is an essential element in any just and equitable solution, besides
being an indispensable factor for the establishment of permanent peace in
the region;
6. REAFFIRMS in the name of African solidarity and by virtue of Article II,
paragraph 1(c)of the OAU Charter its active and total support for the Arab
Republic of Egypt in her legitimate struggle to recover entirely and by all
means her territorial integrity;
7. DRAWS THE ATTENTION of Israel to the danger threatening the security
and unity of the African continent as a result of its continued aggression
and refusal to evacuate the territories of the State victims of that aggression
and declares that the attitude of Israel might lead OAU Member States to
take, at the African level, individually or collectively, political and economic
measures against it, in conformity with the principles contained in the OAU
and UN Charters;
8. EARNESTLY CALLS upon the big Powers supplying Israel with arms and
military equipment of all kinds and granting it moral and political support
that enables it to strengthen its military potential, to refrain from doing so;
9. STRONGLY SUPPORTS the Egyptian initiative requesting the UN
Secretary-General to report to the Security Council on the explosive
situation prevailing in the Middle East, and expresses the hope that the
Security Council shall take every appropriate measure to implement
immediately the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN, so that a just and
durable peace may be established in the region;
10. DESIGNATES the Foreign Ministers of Nigeria, Chad, Tanzania, Guinea,
Algeria, Kenya and the Sudan to be the spokesmen to the OAU on this
matter at the Security Council of the UN on the 4th and 5th June 1973;
AHG/Res. 70(X)
11. ENTRUSTS the Current Chairman of the Assembly of Heads of State and
Government to present the views of the OAU on the matter at the next
session of the General assembly of the UN.
Exhibits of the African Union