Statement at the Opening of the OAU-Civil Society Conference

"Before concluding, let me share with you a personal reflection. During my term of office as Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity, I have had to deal with many crises. I have also had the opportunity of experiencing moments of satisfaction and moments of frustration. The one perpetual frustrating experience that I have had to deal with is the fact that there has been a hiatus between what the OAU has been trying to do and the understanding and comprehension of ordinary Africans of the Continental Organization. Put succinctly, the bulk of our people do not know much about our activities. As we prepare ourselves for a new era of the African Union, this gap must be closed or, at the very least minimized." - Dr. Salim, June 11, 2001