Tolbert of Liberia. noted how the previously unquestioned rule of noninterference by African states in the internal affairs of one another could serve as an excuse for African leaders to ignore and neglect important cases of human rights violations in the region. In addition. President Tolbert called for revision of the OAU Charter to include provisions for the protection of human rights. a "cohesive policy on refugees." a regional cooperative economic policy. and a panAfrican peacekeeping forcemanned only by Africanswhich would provide a regional response to African problems. These proposals and the active debate of both the continuing crisis in Southern Africa and the EgyptianIsraeli Peace Treaty highlight the increasing importance of the OAU in African affairs. Unfortunately. the conference fell short of support for the Peace Treaty. and it still remains to be seen how many African governments will restore their diplomatic ties with Israel now that it has made peace with Egypt.
Keywords matched
refugees