The OAU and African Conflicts

This Working Paper is part of a project to develop approaches and processes for a more effective management of African conflicts by the Organization of African Unity. This project is supported by a grant from the United States Institute of Peace whose assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

While much recent writing about conflict settlement and resolution at the international level tends to focus on processes of negotiation, mediation and some of the newer, "Track Two" procedures, it is still the case that the primary responsibility for coping with such conflicts remains with the major global and regional political organizations - the United Nations and such bodies as the OAS, ASEAN and the Arab League.