15 African Union leaders behind Africa’s continental leadership success

At a Glance

• African Union chairpersons shaped continental diplomacy and Pan-African unity.
• Leaders advanced anti-colonial movements, economic integration, and regional stability.
• Chairpersons’ legacies set standards for conflict resolution and global influence.

Africa’s modern political landscape was shaped by a succession of visionary leaders who steered the continent through post-colonial transitions, Cold War tensions, and the drive for Pan-African unity.

At the forefront was Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, the first African Union (then OAU) chairperson, whose 1963-1964 tenure in Addis Ababa set the blueprint for continental diplomacy.

Selassie’s advocacy for anti-colonial movements and African solidarity positioned Ethiopia as a hub for international negotiations. 

Following him, leaders like Gamal Abdel Nasser, Kwame Nkrumah, and Joseph Ankrah leveraged their OAU chairmanships to advance economic integration, conflict resolution, and Africa’s global voice—laying a foundation that continues to influence continental politics and regional cooperation today.

Haile Selassie I: (Ethiopia): 1963-1964

Haile Selassie I, Ethiopia’s emperor, was the first African Union (then OAU) chairperson, hosting the inaugural summit in Addis Ababa. 

A pioneer of Pan-Africanism, he championed anti-colonial movements and positioned Ethiopia as a continental diplomatic hub. 

Selassie’s tenure laid the foundation for collective security, conflict resolution, and Africa’s unified voice in global affairs.

Gamal Abdel Nasser: (Egypt): 1964-1965

Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser leveraged his OAU chairmanship to advance African unity and anti-apartheid initiatives. 

A key Pan-Africanist, he promoted economic cooperation and coordinated resistance against foreign domination, cementing Egypt as a center for liberation diplomacy and continental self-determination.

JKwame Nkrumah: (Ghana): 1965-1966

Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, championed a “United States of Africa,” advocating political and economic integration across the continent. 

He intensified support for liberation movements in Southern Africa, leaving a lasting legacy in Pan-African solidarity despite his tenure ending abruptly after a coup.

Joseph Arthur Ankrah: (Ghana): 1966

Military leader Joseph Arthur Ankrah shifted the OAU toward pragmatic diplomacy, emphasizing conflict mediation and African-led solutions. 

His leadership during politically volatile years in Congo and Nigeria reinforced stability-focused approaches to continental cooperation.

Mobutu Sese Seko: (Zaire): 1967-1968

Mobutu Sese Seko prioritized African political unity and anti-colonial solidarity, strengthening Zaire’s regional influence. 

His tenure reinforced economic self-reliance and diplomatic ties among newly independent states, marking a high point in continental cohesion against apartheid.

Houari Boumédiène: (Algeria): 1968-1969

Algerian leader Houari Boumédiène championed resource sovereignty, anti-colonial activism, and African political unity amid Cold War pressures. 

His tenure amplified Africa’s global voice and cemented Algeria as a hub for liberation diplomacy.

Ahmadou Ahidjo: (Cameroon): 1969-1970

Cameroon’s first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo, emphasized non-alignment, regional cooperation, and economic integration. 

By mediating border disputes and promoting peaceful conflict resolution, Ahidjo strengthened the OAU’s role as a diplomatic bridge for post-colonial Africa.

Kenneth Kaunda: (Zambia): 1970-1971

Zambia’s founding president, Kenneth Kaunda, guided the OAU during a critical anti-colonial period. 

Supporting liberation movements in Southern Africa, Kaunda positioned Lusaka as a hub for diplomacy and reinforced pan-African unity and independence-led conflict resolution.

Modibo Keïta: (Mali): 1971-1972

Mali’s first president, Modibo Keïta, championed Pan-Africanism, economic self-reliance, and socialist-aligned policies. 

His leadership advanced liberation efforts in Southern Africa and reinforced Africa’s collective diplomatic voice in the post-independence era.

Yakubu Gowon: (Nigeria): 1973-1974

Nigeria’s military leader Yakubu Gowon strengthened regional peace efforts, mediating conflicts in Angola and supporting decolonization. 

His tenure amplified Nigeria’s role as a stabilizing continental power and reinforced Africa’s anti-apartheid stance.

Siad Barre: (Somalia): 1974-1975

Somalia’s Siad Barre advanced economic self-reliance and Pan-African cooperation while supporting Southern African liberation movements. 

His OAU leadership emphasized equitable global trade and African solidarity during Cold War realignments.

Gnassingbé Eyadéma: (Togo): 1976-1977

Togo’s long-serving president, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, steered the OAU amid coups, liberation struggles, and Cold War pressures. 

He focused on continental unity, economic self-reliance, and mediating member-state disputes, reinforcing Africa’s geopolitical cohesion.

Gaafar Nimeiry: (Sudan): 1977-1978

Sudanese President Gaafar Nimeiry championed non-alignment and African unity while balancing Cold War tensions. 

His pragmatic diplomacy reinforced strategic independence for Africa and strengthened the OAU’s continental role in regional stability.

William R. Tolbert Jr. (Liberia): 1979-1980

Liberia’s William R. Tolbert Jr. advanced African economic integration, anti-apartheid advocacy, and reduced Cold War influence. 

Hosting the 1979 Monrovia Summit, he strengthened frameworks for continental development and unity before his tenure ended with a coup.

Moussa Traoré: (Mali): 1989-1990

Moussa Traoré led the OAU through regional crises including Senegal-Mauritania tensions and Liberia’s first civil war. 

His mediation efforts and peace agreement with Mali’s Tuareg rebels highlighted the OAU’s diplomatic role, even as domestic unrest culminated in his 1991 overthrow.