Can Africa Unite?

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 10

Can Africa Unite?

The conference of “ black ” African States that recently ended in Addis Ababa may prove to be one of the most

important events in modern African history. Long preparations preceded the assembly of heads of State; and although the actual proceedings were probably as incoherent as expected, they led to some strong decisions. The conference had as its central objective the unity of all Africa; but its prospects of achieving anything useful were marred from the start by the astonishing variety of attitudes that this objective stimulates in countries as different as Nigeria and Ghana, the Congo Republics and Mali, Ethiopia and Guinea. Ultimately, the objective may be inevitable and sensible; practically, its achievement will be difficult. At Addis Ababa, the enthusiasts for organic political unity, and notably their leader, President Nkrumah of Ghana, appear to have been rebuffed. Instead of a grandiose and impractical scheme for associating the “ black ” African States under some kind of joint legislative system, the conference agreed on proposals for an African consultative body similar to the Organisation of American States and affiliated with the United Nations. Thus the African States have chosen to model their joint development, not upon North America, but upon South America. Within their new organisation, however, will be no member comparable with the United States (which dominates the 0.A.5.); and therefore the trend of the organisation’s policy is unpredictable. Acceptance of the need to proceed by stages

towards possible continental unity is implied. In the meantime, judgment should be reserved on the extent to which the conference has blurred divisions such as those between the “ Casablanca ’’ and “ Monrovia” groups. Pessimism about Africa has been heightened by the revival of tribalism in some areas, and by a general impression that constitutional enlightenment, even in countries such as Nigeria, is less than many Western sympathisers with African ideals have hoped. This pessimism does less than justice to the continent. The Addis Ababa conference indicated how far “ black ’’ Africa has already advanced towards administrative independence of European guidance. Anti-colonial feeling will certainly be strengthened as a result of the conference, which included in its pronouncements the usual spate of inflammatory resolutions. The United Kingdom Government, as a consequence, may be even more hesitant about giving a “ white ” regime in Southern Rhodesia the autonomy it desires. In South Africa the Verwoerd Government’s fear of “ black subversion will be reinforced; and pressures for changes in the British Protectorates of Bechuanaland, Swaziland, and Basutoland will be intensified. In Angola the forces of independence and revolt will be heartened. But, as Ethiopia and Somalia have already shown, disputes will not be ended overnight simply by the Addis Ababa conference. This is not to deny, however, the potential power for good or evil of indigenous African agencies that may spring from the conference.