12 November 1984 : When Morocco withdrew from the Organization of African Unity

On the 12th of November 1984, Morocco withdrew from the Organization of African Unity, during a summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Protesting against admitting the Polisario Front, Morocco left the Panafrican body for 33 years. During this period, the organization was named the African Union. Flashback.

Sahara : When King Hassan II agreed to a referendum under international supervision

In 1981, King Hassan II of Morocco flew to the Kenyan capital to participate in an Organization of African Unity summit. In Nairobi, he announced that Morocco is ready to agree to a referendum on the self-determination of the Sahara. Three years later, the continental organization said yes to the «Sahrawi Republic’s», bid to join it as a full member.