African Union

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, undertook an official visit to Cairo in June 1968 at the invitation of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. As part of his itinerary, he attended the consecration ceremony of Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassia—presided over by Pope Cyril VI—followed by a solemn liturgy and a meeting with members of the Coptic Holy Synod. The occasion drew throngs of Christian faithful, who lined both the airport and city streets to welcome the Emperor. Ambassador Mallas accompanied the Emperor, traveling aboard the same aircraft from Addis Ababa to Cairo. There is a film on the you tube. Also on the you tube there is a documentry film with Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia holding a one-day state visit to Cairo, during which he met this time with President Anwar Sadat on Friday, 11 May 1973. The meeting encompassed discussions on Middle Eastern affairs, African issues, and bilateral relations. This was the Emperor’s first visit to Cairo in approximately 18 months. It was not long, in historical terms,(1974) before the Emperor was deposed in a revolution ironically spearheaded by the Ambassador’s younger brother, Lieutenant General Aman Michael Andom.

His Majesty the Emperor, on an official state visit to Egypt, was received as a distinguished guest by His Excellency President Gamal Abdel Nasser. During this visit, they discussed the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and Pan‑Africanism, as well as the upcoming Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM) conference, to which both countries—key members of NAM—were deeply committed. His Majesty also addressed Egypt’s unconditional support for the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF), at that time in open conflict with Ethiopia. He noted Egypt’s direct financial backing of the ELF. One must question whether this support was appropriate, given the traditionally fraternal relations between the two African nations—relations that this action arguably jeopardized. In his own language, that is to say, in Amharic, the Ambassador conveyed to His Majesty that confronting Nasser might lead Ethiopia to interpret the President’s standpoint as a form of retaliation—potentially tied to tensions over Nile water rights, especially those originating from Lake Tana (the true source of the Blue Nile) and the Ethiopian Highlands. However, this important meeting did not conclude favorably from a diplomatic perspective. After President Nasser’s sudden death in 1970, his successor, President Anwar al‑Sadat, gradually withdrew the Egyptian support for the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) in Alexandria and facilitated renewed peace negotiations between the Emperor and the Eritrean guerrilla movement. This photograph depicts Emperor Haile Selassie I and his cabinet in a meeting with President Nasser and his ministers. Mr. Mallas served as the Emperor’s principal interpreter into Arabic, a role he performed with notable success.

First Prime Minister and President of Ghana ( The GOLD Coast), Here stands Mr. Kwame Nkrumah, appearing impeccably dapper both in national and semi-casual attire—his bearing suffused with confident poise. He mingles with Sudanese government dignitaries and His Excellency Ato Mallas M. Andom, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Sudan, who himself is adorned in garments of traditional Ethiopian/Eritrean design, woven from richly expressive fabrics. 1) Nkrumah and Pan-African Political Involvements:- Positive Action Campaign (1950): Nkrumah led the Positive Action campaign, a series of nonviolent protests and strikes demanding self-governance from British colonial rule. The campaign played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support for independence. 2) Pan-African Conferences:- Nkrumah convened several significant Pan-African gatherings, including the First Conference of Independent States (1958) and the All-African Peoples' Conference (1958), to foster unity and collaboration among African nations. 3) Organization of African Unity (OAU):- In 1963, Nkrumah was instrumental in founding the OAU, aiming to promote solidarity and cooperation among African nations. He envisioned a united Africa with a common military force and economic integration. 4) Union of African States:- Nkrumah negotiated the creation of a political alliance between Ghana, Guinea, and Mali, known as the Union of African States, to deepen political and economic integration among African countries.5) Non-Aligned Movement/NAM:- Nkrumah played a key role in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to maintain independence from the major Cold War powers and promote peaceful coexistence among developing nations. Despite his achievements, Nkrumah faced significant challenges, including political opposition and economic difficulties. In 1966, while on a state visit to China, his government was overthrown in a coup d'état. He spent the remainder of his life in exile in Guinea, where he continued to advocate for African unity until his death in 1972. Information from The Ghana Rapport and Wikipdia

Francis Kwame Nkrumah (21 September 1909 – 27 April 1972) was a Ghanaian politician, political theorist, and revolutionary. He served as Prime Minister of the Gold Coast (later to be named Ghana) from 1952 until 1957, when it gained independence from Britain. He was then the first Prime Minister and then the President of Ghana, from 1957 until 1966. An influential advocate of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and winner of the Lenin Peace Prize from the Soviet Union in 1962. President Nkrumah ( with Ghanas national dress ), seen sitting at the far end table during an official conference in Khartoum, Sudan.National Achievements:- 1) Independence and Republicanism: On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Nkrumah's leadership was instrumental in this achievement. Subsequently, on July 1, 1960, Ghana transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, with Nkrumah as its first president. 2) Industrialization and Infrastructure: Nkrumah initiated ambitious development projects, including the construction of the Akosombo Dam (Volta River Project), which provided hydroelectric power and spurred industrial growth. He also established key industries such as the Abosso Glass Factory and the Asutuare Sugar Factory, aiming to reduce Ghana's dependency on foreign goods. 3) Education and Healthcare: Nkrumah expanded access to education by establishing institutions like the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He also improved healthcare infrastructure, exemplified by the expansion of hospitals like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

President Joseph- Desire Mobutu Sese Seko (MSS), Zaire's ( otherwise generaly known as DRC) first and only president during the period of 1971-1997. From 1965-1971 he was first the president in DRC (democratic Republic of Congo before changing the name to ZAIRE ). Here you can see him attending the OAU (Organisation of African Unity) now simply AU The African Union. President MSS, served as the fifth Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) from 1967 to 1968. During his tenure, the OAU focused on promoting unity and solidarity among African states, addressing issues such as decolonization, apartheid, and economic cooperation. The OAU played a pivotal role in supporting liberation movements across the continent and advocating for the rights of African nations on the international stage. In the photograph, President MSS is seen conversing with Ato Mallas Andom, the Ambassador of Ethiopia. Ato Mallas Andom was a prominent Ethiopian diplomat who represented his country in various international forums. His presence at the OAU sessions underscores Ethiopia's active participation in continental affairs and its commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with other African nations.

H.E. Ambassador Mallas Andom represented at a summit which was Second Ordinary Session of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), held in Cairo from 17–21 July 1964 — marking the second Heads‑of‑State summit since foundation in 1963. The 1960s were pivotal years for African unity, marked by the establishment and early activities of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU). Founded on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the OAU aimed to promote solidarity among African states and coordinate efforts toward decolonization and socioeconomic development. The OAU Summits in the 1960s: 1) The inaugural summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 22 to 26 May 1963—saw the attendance of 32 independent African states, which jointly adopted the OAU Charter and established the Liberation Committee to coordinate support for anti-colonial movements. The early discussions among the member states included proposals for undoing the colonial-era boundaries that separated the newly independent “Free African” nations. However, subsequent analysis revealed that such attempts could provoke conflict, given that neocolonial influence persisted across the continent. Maintaining existing borders was seen as essential to preserving peace and avoiding destabilization. 2) Cairo, Egypt (July 17–21, 1964). Hosted by Egypts president Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser. The 1964 Cairo Summit, the second Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, centred on the rigorous implementation of the OAU Charter and concerted efforts to combat apartheid and colonialism. During this summit, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana emerged as a dominant figure, fervently advocating for a more politically united Africa. Meanwhile, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania exercised a moderating influence, championing a pragmatic approach to continental solidarity and liberation. Nkrumah contended that the territorial boundaries imposed by colonial powers were inherently temporary, for he firmly believed that Africa would inevitably reunite under the banner of Pan‑Africanism. These colonial borders, he argued, did not reflect the continent's deeper cultural and historical unity, and were destined to be dismantled as the African people moved toward continental integration. Explanation: a) In his speeches and writings, Nkrumah repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of artificial colonial borders, asserting that they prevented African unity and should ultimately be transcended. He viewed the African people’s drive toward unity as both powerful and inevitable. b) Furthermore, he emphasized the revisionist nature of pan‑Africanism, opposing the fragmentation fostered by colonial territorial divisions and advocating for a future united Africa. 3) Accra, Ghana (October 21–26, 1965) Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's leader and a staunch pan‑Africanist, warned that the continent’s failure to unite politically could lead to “stagnation, instability and confusion”, making African nations vulnerable to neocolonial influence. He famously stated: “It is courage that we lack.”. The summit also hosted a significant meeting of the OAU Defense Committee in Accra, which brought together military and political leaders from across the continent. Delegates included figures such as Liberia’s President William Tubman and Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie, and the meeting featured military parades ("military tattoo") and opened in formal sessions. Viewed through a pan‑African lens, the Accra summit represented a crucial moment: a last earnest push toward institutionalizing continental unity, both politically and militarily. Nkrumah’s warning highlighted the existential urgency of forging a united African front despite domestic and international resistance. Comparative analysis EU (European Union) vs AU ( African Union): The EU: Exemplifies a supranational system, where institutions such as the European Commission, European Central Bank (ECB), and European Parliament hold genuine legislative and executive authority. Member states have transferred significant sovereignty in areas like monetary policy, trade, and regulation.the EU and they Unity on almost all fronts (united currency, policy president foreig affaires and so on). While the AU: Functions as a primarily intergovernmental body, with member states retaining their sovereignty. The AU Commission serves more as a coordinating secretariat rather than an autonomous governing body. 4) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (November 5–9, 1966) The summit addressed issues of economic cooperation and the establishment of specialized agencies within the OAU . 5) Kinshasa, Zaire (September 11–14, 1967) This meeting focused on the situation in Southern Africa and the support for liberation movements in territories under colonial or minority rule . 6) Algiers, Algeria (September 13–16, 1968) Leaders discussed the political and economic challenges facing African nations and the need for greater unity and cooperation . One thing that is worth to mention is that In the 1960s, Egypt hosted also the important and the Second Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Cairo, from 5 to 10 October 1964. This summit was a significant event where leaders from various countries convened to discuss issues of mutual concern, particularly focusing on the Cold War dynamics and the pursuit of a path independent of the major power blocs. The conference was chaired by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who played a pivotal role in the movement's leadership during this period. Here is again the activitis of the OAU in the 60s: OAU Summits in the 1960s Summit # Year Host City & Country Dates 1 1963 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 22–25 May 1963 2 1964 Cairo, Egypt 17–21 July 1964 3 1965 Accra, Ghana 21–26 October 1965 4 1966 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 5–9 November 1966 5 1967 Kinshasa, DR Congo 11–14 September 1967 6 1968 Algiers, Algeria 13–16 September 1968 7 1969 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 6–10 September 1969 These summits established the patterns of annual meetings across the continent, central to OAU’s evolving role between 1963 and 1969.

Representation of Ethiopia at the 5th OAU Summit, Kinshasa, September 1967 His Excellency Ambassador Mallas Andom, Emperial Ethiopian ambassador to Egypt at the time, here seen in the middle was one of the member of the Ethiopian diplomatic delegation at the 5th Summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in September 1967. The delegation comprised sixteen members and was led by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, alongside Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ketema Yifru. Ketema Yifru served as Foreign Minister of Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie from 1961 to 1971. That period, spanning the early 1960s into the early 1970s, was a pivotal era in Ethiopia’s diplomacy and in pan-African efforts—especially in the lead-up to the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Ketema held a central role in that process. We have to mention also Ethiopias role in The NAM ie The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is now (2025) a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. It was founded during the Cold War in 1961, based on the principles of the Bandung Conference of 1955. ts core principles include: 1) Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. 2) Mutual non-aggression. 3) Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs. 4) Equality and mutual benefit. 5) Peaceful coexistence. The movement's formation was driven by leaders such as Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. They sought to advocate for their own interests on the world stage without being subservient to either the Western or Eastern bloc. Role Today Since the end of the Cold War, the NAM's focus has shifted. While it no longer serves as a buffer between two superpowers, it remains a significant forum for its member states to address global issues, particularly those affecting the developing world. Its current goals include: Promoting multilateralism and international cooperation. Advocating for global peace and security. Supporting sustainable development and economic equity. Working for human rights and social justice. The NAM is the second-largest grouping of states after the United Nations, and its decisions and positions still hold influence in various international bodies. Back to the 5th OAU summit and the Ethiopian Delegation Overview: Position Status Emperor Haile Selassie I Confirmed — personally attended the Summit Foreign Minister Ketema Yifru Highly likely — led Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts Additional 14 senior diplomats One was Ambassador Mallas Andom (according to Reuters count) The 5th OAU Summit took place from 11 to 14 September 1967 in Kinshasa, (formerly Léopoldville), with the Democratic Republic of the Congo serving as the host nation. The summit was presided over by President Mobutu Sese Seko, who succeeded Emperor Haile Selassie I as Chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity. Mobutu’s chairmanship commenced on 11 September 1967 and continued until 13 September 1968. The ambassador has a long diplomatic experiance that he represented Ethiopia on a defenitly a very important matter. To break that down: So, to clarify the sequence of OAU summits in those early years: 1963 (1st Ordinary Session) — Addis Ababa (May 22–25) 1964 (2nd Ordinary Session) — Cairo (July 17–21) 1965 (3rd Ordinary Session) — Accra (October 21–26) 1966 (4th Ordinary Session) — Addis Ababa (November 5–9) 1967 (5th Ordinary Session) — Kinshasa (September 11–14)

His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, undertook an official visit to Cairo in June 1968 at the invitation of President Gamal Abdel Nasser. As part of his itinerary, he attended the consecration ceremony of Saint Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassia—presided over by Pope Cyril VI—followed by a solemn liturgy and a meeting with members of the Coptic Holy Synod. The occasion drew throngs of Christian faithful, who lined both the airport and city streets to welcome the Emperor. Ambassador Mallas accompanied the Emperor, traveling aboard the same aircraft from Addis Ababa to Cairo. There is a film on the you tube. Also on the you tube there is a documentry film with Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia holding a one-day state visit to Cairo, during which he met this time with President Anwar Sadat on Friday, 11 May 1973. The meeting encompassed discussions on Middle Eastern affairs, African issues, and bilateral relations. This was the Emperor’s first visit to Cairo in approximately 18 months. It was not long, in historical terms,(1974) before the Emperor was deposed in a revolution ironically spearheaded by the Ambassador’s younger brother, Lieutenant General Aman Michael Andom.

His Majesty the Emperor, on an official state visit to Egypt, was received as a distinguished guest by His Excellency President Gamal Abdel Nasser. During this visit, they discussed the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and Pan‑Africanism, as well as the upcoming Non‑Aligned Movement (NAM) conference, to which both countries—key members of NAM—were deeply committed. His Majesty also addressed Egypt’s unconditional support for the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF), at that time in open conflict with Ethiopia. He noted Egypt’s direct financial backing of the ELF. One must question whether this support was appropriate, given the traditionally fraternal relations between the two African nations—relations that this action arguably jeopardized. In his own language, that is to say, in Amharic, the Ambassador conveyed to His Majesty that confronting Nasser might lead Ethiopia to interpret the President’s standpoint as a form of retaliation—potentially tied to tensions over Nile water rights, especially those originating from Lake Tana (the true source of the Blue Nile) and the Ethiopian Highlands. However, this important meeting did not conclude favorably from a diplomatic perspective. After President Nasser’s sudden death in 1970, his successor, President Anwar al‑Sadat, gradually withdrew the Egyptian support for the Eritrean Liberation Front (ELF) in Alexandria and facilitated renewed peace negotiations between the Emperor and the Eritrean guerrilla movement. This photograph depicts Emperor Haile Selassie I and his cabinet in a meeting with President Nasser and his ministers. Mr. Mallas served as the Emperor’s principal interpreter into Arabic, a role he performed with notable success.

First Prime Minister and President of Ghana ( The GOLD Coast), Here stands Mr. Kwame Nkrumah, appearing impeccably dapper both in national and semi-casual attire—his bearing suffused with confident poise. He mingles with Sudanese government dignitaries and His Excellency Ato Mallas M. Andom, the Ethiopian Ambassador to Sudan, who himself is adorned in garments of traditional Ethiopian/Eritrean design, woven from richly expressive fabrics. 1) Nkrumah and Pan-African Political Involvements:- Positive Action Campaign (1950): Nkrumah led the Positive Action campaign, a series of nonviolent protests and strikes demanding self-governance from British colonial rule. The campaign played a pivotal role in mobilizing public support for independence. 2) Pan-African Conferences:- Nkrumah convened several significant Pan-African gatherings, including the First Conference of Independent States (1958) and the All-African Peoples' Conference (1958), to foster unity and collaboration among African nations. 3) Organization of African Unity (OAU):- In 1963, Nkrumah was instrumental in founding the OAU, aiming to promote solidarity and cooperation among African nations. He envisioned a united Africa with a common military force and economic integration. 4) Union of African States:- Nkrumah negotiated the creation of a political alliance between Ghana, Guinea, and Mali, known as the Union of African States, to deepen political and economic integration among African countries.5) Non-Aligned Movement/NAM:- Nkrumah played a key role in the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement, which sought to maintain independence from the major Cold War powers and promote peaceful coexistence among developing nations. Despite his achievements, Nkrumah faced significant challenges, including political opposition and economic difficulties. In 1966, while on a state visit to China, his government was overthrown in a coup d'état. He spent the remainder of his life in exile in Guinea, where he continued to advocate for African unity until his death in 1972. Information from The Ghana Rapport and Wikipdia

Francis Kwame Nkrumah (21 September 1909 – 27 April 1972) was a Ghanaian politician, political theorist, and revolutionary. He served as Prime Minister of the Gold Coast (later to be named Ghana) from 1952 until 1957, when it gained independence from Britain. He was then the first Prime Minister and then the President of Ghana, from 1957 until 1966. An influential advocate of Pan-Africanism, Nkrumah was a founding member of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and winner of the Lenin Peace Prize from the Soviet Union in 1962. President Nkrumah ( with Ghanas national dress ), seen sitting at the far end table during an official conference in Khartoum, Sudan.National Achievements:- 1) Independence and Republicanism: On March 6, 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from colonial rule. Nkrumah's leadership was instrumental in this achievement. Subsequently, on July 1, 1960, Ghana transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, with Nkrumah as its first president. 2) Industrialization and Infrastructure: Nkrumah initiated ambitious development projects, including the construction of the Akosombo Dam (Volta River Project), which provided hydroelectric power and spurred industrial growth. He also established key industries such as the Abosso Glass Factory and the Asutuare Sugar Factory, aiming to reduce Ghana's dependency on foreign goods. 3) Education and Healthcare: Nkrumah expanded access to education by establishing institutions like the University of Ghana and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. He also improved healthcare infrastructure, exemplified by the expansion of hospitals like Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.

President Joseph- Desire Mobutu Sese Seko (MSS), Zaire's ( otherwise generaly known as DRC) first and only president during the period of 1971-1997. From 1965-1971 he was first the president in DRC (democratic Republic of Congo before changing the name to ZAIRE ). Here you can see him attending the OAU (Organisation of African Unity) now simply AU The African Union. President MSS, served as the fifth Chairman of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) from 1967 to 1968. During his tenure, the OAU focused on promoting unity and solidarity among African states, addressing issues such as decolonization, apartheid, and economic cooperation. The OAU played a pivotal role in supporting liberation movements across the continent and advocating for the rights of African nations on the international stage. In the photograph, President MSS is seen conversing with Ato Mallas Andom, the Ambassador of Ethiopia. Ato Mallas Andom was a prominent Ethiopian diplomat who represented his country in various international forums. His presence at the OAU sessions underscores Ethiopia's active participation in continental affairs and its commitment to fostering diplomatic relations with other African nations.

H.E. Ambassador Mallas Andom represented at a summit which was Second Ordinary Session of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), held in Cairo from 17–21 July 1964 — marking the second Heads‑of‑State summit since foundation in 1963. The 1960s were pivotal years for African unity, marked by the establishment and early activities of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the precursor to the African Union (AU). Founded on May 25, 1963, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the OAU aimed to promote solidarity among African states and coordinate efforts toward decolonization and socioeconomic development. The OAU Summits in the 1960s: 1) The inaugural summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU)—held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 22 to 26 May 1963—saw the attendance of 32 independent African states, which jointly adopted the OAU Charter and established the Liberation Committee to coordinate support for anti-colonial movements. The early discussions among the member states included proposals for undoing the colonial-era boundaries that separated the newly independent “Free African” nations. However, subsequent analysis revealed that such attempts could provoke conflict, given that neocolonial influence persisted across the continent. Maintaining existing borders was seen as essential to preserving peace and avoiding destabilization. 2) Cairo, Egypt (July 17–21, 1964). Hosted by Egypts president Colonel Gamal Abdel Nasser. The 1964 Cairo Summit, the second Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the OAU, centred on the rigorous implementation of the OAU Charter and concerted efforts to combat apartheid and colonialism. During this summit, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana emerged as a dominant figure, fervently advocating for a more politically united Africa. Meanwhile, Julius Nyerere of Tanzania exercised a moderating influence, championing a pragmatic approach to continental solidarity and liberation. Nkrumah contended that the territorial boundaries imposed by colonial powers were inherently temporary, for he firmly believed that Africa would inevitably reunite under the banner of Pan‑Africanism. These colonial borders, he argued, did not reflect the continent's deeper cultural and historical unity, and were destined to be dismantled as the African people moved toward continental integration. Explanation: a) In his speeches and writings, Nkrumah repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of artificial colonial borders, asserting that they prevented African unity and should ultimately be transcended. He viewed the African people’s drive toward unity as both powerful and inevitable. b) Furthermore, he emphasized the revisionist nature of pan‑Africanism, opposing the fragmentation fostered by colonial territorial divisions and advocating for a future united Africa. 3) Accra, Ghana (October 21–26, 1965) Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's leader and a staunch pan‑Africanist, warned that the continent’s failure to unite politically could lead to “stagnation, instability and confusion”, making African nations vulnerable to neocolonial influence. He famously stated: “It is courage that we lack.”. The summit also hosted a significant meeting of the OAU Defense Committee in Accra, which brought together military and political leaders from across the continent. Delegates included figures such as Liberia’s President William Tubman and Ethiopia’s Emperor Haile Selassie, and the meeting featured military parades ("military tattoo") and opened in formal sessions. Viewed through a pan‑African lens, the Accra summit represented a crucial moment: a last earnest push toward institutionalizing continental unity, both politically and militarily. Nkrumah’s warning highlighted the existential urgency of forging a united African front despite domestic and international resistance. Comparative analysis EU (European Union) vs AU ( African Union): The EU: Exemplifies a supranational system, where institutions such as the European Commission, European Central Bank (ECB), and European Parliament hold genuine legislative and executive authority. Member states have transferred significant sovereignty in areas like monetary policy, trade, and regulation.the EU and they Unity on almost all fronts (united currency, policy president foreig affaires and so on). While the AU: Functions as a primarily intergovernmental body, with member states retaining their sovereignty. The AU Commission serves more as a coordinating secretariat rather than an autonomous governing body. 4) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (November 5–9, 1966) The summit addressed issues of economic cooperation and the establishment of specialized agencies within the OAU . 5) Kinshasa, Zaire (September 11–14, 1967) This meeting focused on the situation in Southern Africa and the support for liberation movements in territories under colonial or minority rule . 6) Algiers, Algeria (September 13–16, 1968) Leaders discussed the political and economic challenges facing African nations and the need for greater unity and cooperation . One thing that is worth to mention is that In the 1960s, Egypt hosted also the important and the Second Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Cairo, from 5 to 10 October 1964. This summit was a significant event where leaders from various countries convened to discuss issues of mutual concern, particularly focusing on the Cold War dynamics and the pursuit of a path independent of the major power blocs. The conference was chaired by Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, who played a pivotal role in the movement's leadership during this period. Here is again the activitis of the OAU in the 60s: OAU Summits in the 1960s Summit # Year Host City & Country Dates 1 1963 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 22–25 May 1963 2 1964 Cairo, Egypt 17–21 July 1964 3 1965 Accra, Ghana 21–26 October 1965 4 1966 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 5–9 November 1966 5 1967 Kinshasa, DR Congo 11–14 September 1967 6 1968 Algiers, Algeria 13–16 September 1968 7 1969 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 6–10 September 1969 These summits established the patterns of annual meetings across the continent, central to OAU’s evolving role between 1963 and 1969.

Representation of Ethiopia at the 5th OAU Summit, Kinshasa, September 1967 His Excellency Ambassador Mallas Andom, Emperial Ethiopian ambassador to Egypt at the time, here seen in the middle was one of the member of the Ethiopian diplomatic delegation at the 5th Summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in September 1967. The delegation comprised sixteen members and was led by His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I, alongside Ethiopia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ketema Yifru. Ketema Yifru served as Foreign Minister of Ethiopia under Emperor Haile Selassie from 1961 to 1971. That period, spanning the early 1960s into the early 1970s, was a pivotal era in Ethiopia’s diplomacy and in pan-African efforts—especially in the lead-up to the founding of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). Ketema held a central role in that process. We have to mention also Ethiopias role in The NAM ie The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is now (2025) a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. It was founded during the Cold War in 1961, based on the principles of the Bandung Conference of 1955. ts core principles include: 1) Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. 2) Mutual non-aggression. 3) Mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs. 4) Equality and mutual benefit. 5) Peaceful coexistence. The movement's formation was driven by leaders such as Josip Broz Tito of Yugoslavia, Jawaharlal Nehru of India, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt, Sukarno of Indonesia, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana. They sought to advocate for their own interests on the world stage without being subservient to either the Western or Eastern bloc. Role Today Since the end of the Cold War, the NAM's focus has shifted. While it no longer serves as a buffer between two superpowers, it remains a significant forum for its member states to address global issues, particularly those affecting the developing world. Its current goals include: Promoting multilateralism and international cooperation. Advocating for global peace and security. Supporting sustainable development and economic equity. Working for human rights and social justice. The NAM is the second-largest grouping of states after the United Nations, and its decisions and positions still hold influence in various international bodies. Back to the 5th OAU summit and the Ethiopian Delegation Overview: Position Status Emperor Haile Selassie I Confirmed — personally attended the Summit Foreign Minister Ketema Yifru Highly likely — led Ethiopia’s diplomatic efforts Additional 14 senior diplomats One was Ambassador Mallas Andom (according to Reuters count) The 5th OAU Summit took place from 11 to 14 September 1967 in Kinshasa, (formerly Léopoldville), with the Democratic Republic of the Congo serving as the host nation. The summit was presided over by President Mobutu Sese Seko, who succeeded Emperor Haile Selassie I as Chairperson of the Organisation of African Unity. Mobutu’s chairmanship commenced on 11 September 1967 and continued until 13 September 1968. The ambassador has a long diplomatic experiance that he represented Ethiopia on a defenitly a very important matter. To break that down: So, to clarify the sequence of OAU summits in those early years: 1963 (1st Ordinary Session) — Addis Ababa (May 22–25) 1964 (2nd Ordinary Session) — Cairo (July 17–21) 1965 (3rd Ordinary Session) — Accra (October 21–26) 1966 (4th Ordinary Session) — Addis Ababa (November 5–9) 1967 (5th Ordinary Session) — Kinshasa (September 11–14)