The dominant idea behind the establishment of the Organization of African Unity is

Analyze the question: It asks for the dominant idea behind the founding of the OAU (established 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia). So we need the central, overarching purpose, not a side effect or a single goal.

Concept: The OAU Charter set out these main aims:

• Promote unity and solidarity among African states
• Coordinate and intensify cooperation to improve living conditions (political, economic, cultural, scientific)
• Defend sovereignty and territorial integrity
• Eradicate colonialism
• Promote international cooperation within the UN framework

At the founding, there were two camps: the radical Casablanca group (e.g. Nkrumah), who wanted immediate political union, and the moderate Monrovia group (e.g. Nigeria's Balewa), who favoured gradual cooperation among sovereign states. The compromise was a loose organization, not a political union.

Step-by-step evaluation:

• A. That Africa must unite: This was Nkrumah's view, but the OAU did not create a united Africa. It was a slogan, not the organizational idea that won out.
• B. To show the world Africa can do what Latin America and Asia did: This is not a stated aim of the Charter.
• C. To provide a framework and opportunities for cooperation on common African problems: This matches the Monrovia-style compromise and the actual structure of the OAU, a platform for member states to work together on shared issues such as decolonization, apartheid, disputes, and development.
• D. To promote economic development: This was one aim among several, not the dominant one.

Answer: C

Exam tip: For "dominant idea/main objective" questions on the OAU, pick the answer that is broad and about cooperation, since the OAU was a cooperative body and not a union government. Remember: Casablanca = union now; Monrovia = cooperation first, and Monrovia's approach prevailed.