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Political change in contemporary Africa
APC2601
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, The 1960s were an era of significant political upheaval in Africa, as the continent gained
independence from its European colonial rulers. The race for Africa had a significant
influence on Africa, helping to shape it into the country it is today. In the next paragraphs, I
will examine why Africa was colonized, the African Union, all of their obstacles over the
years, and the progress made since the 1960s.
Before we can comprehend the purpose of the African Union, we must first comprehend why
Africa was colonized by Europeans in the first place.
Since before 1870, mankind has been fascinated with Africa. Britain and France were the first
European countries to display interest in Africa's major regional differences. The French
reigned over most of western and central Africa, while the British ruled over much of eastern
and southern Africa. Latecomers were left fighting over the few remaining territories, which
were either useless or entirely irrelevant (Whittlesey 1937). There is a lot of evidence that the
"race for Africa" was fueled by economic need.
Africa was colonized for a number of causes, including political, economic, social, religious,
humanitarian, and technological factors that differed by nation. Because of Africa's
diplomatic, geopolitical, and material potential, European countries seized the chance to
exploit a new continent (Eyitemie 2015). Between 1870 and 1914, the African continent was
conquered by the great European powers: the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Portugal,
and Italy, with only Ethiopia and Liberia remaining free from colonization.
Most African countries began decolonization immediately after World War II. By 1977, 59
African countries had achieved independence and were no longer subject to European
authority (Rugege 2017).
The Organisation of African Unity existed before the African Union attempted to improve
conditions in Africa after the 1960s. The African Union took over because the Organisation
of African Unity was no longer capable of responding to the difficulties confronting the
African continent. In 2002, the African Union was established in Durban, South Africa.
The African Union attempts to fulfill six goals in order to unify African countries. The
primary goal is to increase solidarity and togetherness among African countries and peoples.
They work to protect the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of its member
states, expedite the continent's political and socioeconomic integration, and promote and
defend the continent's and its people's common position on matters of concern to the
