PROBLEMS/CHALLENGES THAT FACED OAU DURING ITS OPERATION

Problems that faced OAU during its operation

1. Differences in economic development levels and the history of member states militated against cooperation.
2. Ideological differences among member states, especially during the Cold War period, hampered the operations of the OAU.
3. It lacked sufficient funds to carry out its work efficiently. The members were poor given that all of them were third-world countries.
4. The problem of sovereignty. Many countries disregarded the OAU resolutions in favor of their sovereignty and national interests.
5. It lacked an effective machinery to effect its decisions. It also lacked a standing army to implement and effect its resolutions hence the term ‘Toothless Bulldog’ coined by Gadaffi to refer to it.
6. Loyalty to other organizations. OAU members also belonged to other organizations like ECOWAS, COMESA, The Arab League, etc; the interests of these organizations were not always in accord with those of the OAU.
7. The colonial legacy. Many problems arising from past colonial policies have rocked the organization. E.g. The land issue in Zimbabwe. There is also the problem of Neo-Colonialism in trade.
8. Interference by the big powers. This has caused dismay to the organization.
9. The emergence of dictators like Amin Dada of Uganda, Bakassa Jean Bedel of the Central African Republic, And Mobutu of Congo.
10. Civil strife in various countries remained unresolved for a long time. E.g. in Sudan, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. This made cooperation difficult.