Address on Regional Integration in Africa: From the OAU to the African Union

"The African Union, is first and foremost, an expression of a determination to elevate the framework of Continental integration. The agreement that was reached in Sirte and later Lome, after a frank and rigorous exchange of views among our leaders demonstrated a desire to come up with an even stronger instrument that can enable our people and Government overcome the challenges confronting them. The African Union is structured to overcome the institutional limitation of the OAU as it has historically evolved with a stronger orientation to pursuing the political agenda, and the African Economic Community with a stronger disposition to the economic agenda." - Dr. Salim, October 23, 2000