Theory question 110
OAU and African UnionSection B
In what ways does the Organization of African Unity (OAU) look like a confederal type of government?
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Member states kept their full sovereignty and independence
Membership was voluntary and states could withdraw
The OAU had no power to tax citizens; it depended on contributions from member states
No army or police of its own; it relied on members for peace-keeping
Decisions were by agreement of the Heads of State; resolutions were not binding and could not be enforced on member states
The central organs (Assembly, Council of Ministers, Secretariat) were weak and their powers came from the member states
No direct relationship with citizens of member states
(The OAU was replaced by the African Union in 2002.)
Define a confederation first, then link each OAU feature to it.