Based on its objectives, the Organization of African Unity can primarily be classified as

1. Analyze the question The question asks how the OAU can be classified based on its objectives. So we need to recall what the OAU was set up to do.

2. Explain the concept The Organization of African Unity (OAU) was founded on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with 32 independent African states as founding members. In 2002 it was replaced by the African Union (AU).

Its main objectives, as set out in its Charter, were:

• To promote unity and solidarity among African states
• To defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of member states
• To eradicate all forms of colonialism and apartheid in Africa
• To coordinate and harmonize members' political, diplomatic, economic, cultural, health, scientific and defence policies
• To promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations

3. Step-by-step solution

• Option A (social): The OAU did have social programmes, but these were not its main focus.
• Option C (cultural): Culture was one area of cooperation, but not the primary aim.
• Option D (economic): Economic cooperation was mentioned, but economic integration came later, with bodies like ECOWAS and the African Economic Community (Abuja Treaty, 1991).
• Option B (political): The core objectives were political: ending colonial rule, protecting sovereignty, defending territorial integrity, promoting political unity and resolving disputes among states. These are the main goals.

4. Answer The OAU is primarily classified as a political organization, which is option B.

5. Exam tip When you see a question on classifying an organization by its objectives, look for the dominant aim. Words like "sovereignty," "decolonization," "unity," and "non-interference" point to a political organization. Words like "trade," "tariffs," and "common market" point to an economic one (e.g., ECOWAS, OPEC). Keep it up, you are doing well!