We, the Heads of African States and Governments assembled in the City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,

Convinced that it is the inalienable right of all people to control their own destiny,

Conscious of the fact that freedom, equality, justice and dignity are essential objectives for the achievement of the legitimate aspirations of the African peoples,

Conscious of our responsibility to harness the natural and human resources of our continent for the total advancement of our peoples in all spheres of human endeavour,

Inspired by a common determination to promote understanding among our peoples and cooperation among our states in response to the aspirations of our peoples for brother-hood and solidarity, in a larger unity transcending ethnic and national differences,

Convinced that, in order to translate this determination into a dynamic force in the cause of human progress, conditions for peace and security must be established and maintained,

Determined to safeguard and consolidate the hard-won independence as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our states, and to fight against neo-colonialism in all its forms,

Dedicated to the general progress of Africa,

Persuaded that the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to the Principles of which we reaffirm our adherence, provide a solid foundation for peaceful and positive cooperation among States,

Desirous that all African States should henceforth unite so that the welfare and well-being of their peoples can be assured,

Resolved to reinforce the links between our states by establishing and strengthening common institutions,

2. Tho Organization shall include the Continental African States, Madagascar and other Islands surrounding Afrlca.

(a) To promote tho unity and solidarity of the African States;

(b) To coordinate and intensify thoir cooperation and efforts to achieve a better life for the pooples of Africa;

(c) To defend their sovereignq, their taritorial integrity and independance;

(d) To eradicate all forms of colonialism from Africa; and

(e) To promote intanational cooperation, having due regard to the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

(a) Political and diplomatic cooperation;

b) Economic cooperation, including transport end communications;

(c) Educational and cultural cooperation;

(d) Health, sanitation and nutritional cooperation;

(e) Scientific and technical cooperation; and

(f) Cooperation for defence and security.

1. The sovereign equality of all Member States.

2. Non-interference in the internal affairs of States.

3. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each Sta' and for its inalienable right to independent existence.

4. Peaceful settlement of disputes by negotiation, mediadoc conciliation or arb~tration.

5. Unreserved condemnation, in all its forms, of politic' assassination as well as of subversive activities on the part a neighbouricig States or any other States.

6. Absolute dedication to the total emancipation of the Africa: territories which are still dependent.

7. Affirmation of a policy of non-aligncnent with regard to al blocs.

1. The Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

2. The Council of Ministers.

3. The General Secretariat.

4. The Commission of Mediation, Conciliation and Arbitration.

2. All resolutions shall be determined by a two-thirds majority of the Members of the Organization.

3. Questions of procedure shall require a simple majority. Whether or not a question is one of procedure shall be determined by a simple majority of all Member States of the Organzation.

4. Two-thirds of the total membership of tho Organization shall form a quorum at any meeting of the Assembly.

2. The Council of Ministers shall meet at least twice a year. When requested by any Member State and approved by two-thirds of all Member States, it shall meet in extraordinary session.

2. It shall take cognisance of any matter referred to it by the Assembly. It shall be entrusted with the implementation of the decision of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. It shall coordinate inter-African cooperation in accordance with the instructions of the Assembly conformity with Article II (2) of the present Charter.

2. All resolutions shall be determined by a simple majority members of the Council of Ministers.

3. Two-thirds of the total membership of the Council of Ministers duell form a quorum for any meeting of the Council.

1. In the performance of their duties the Secretary-General and the staff shall not seek or receive instructions from any government or from any other authority external to the Organization. They shall refrain from any action which might reflect on their position as international officials responsible only to the Organization.

2. Each member of the Organization undertakes to respect the exclusive character of the responsibilities of tho Socretary-General and the staff and not to seek to influence them in the discharge of their responsibilities.

1. Economic and Social Commission.

2. Educational, Scientific, Cultural and Health Commission.

3. Defence Commission.

2. The original instrument, done, if possible in African languages, in English and French, all texts being equally authentic, shall be deposited with the Government of Ethiopia which shall trassmit certified copies thereof to all undependent sovereign African States.

3. Instruments of ratification shall be deposited with the Government of Ethiopia, which shall notify all signatories of each such deposit.

2. The Secretary-General shall, on receipt of such notification, communicate a copy of it to all the Member States. Admission shall be decided by a simple majority of the Member States. The decision of each Member State shall be transmitted to the Secretary-General, who shall, upon receipt of the required number of votes, communicate.the decision to the State concerned.

IN FAITH WHEREOF, We, the Heads of African State Governments have signed this Charter.

Done in the City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,

25th day of May, 1963

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