Assessment of voting patterns and diplomatic consultations ahead of the 1989 election of the OAU Secretary-General

“Give merits to our candidate without abusing Niger’s candidate.”
Guidance from Minister Benjamin Mkapa to Tanzania’s delegation during consultations ahead of the election of the OAU Secretary-General, 21 July 1989.

This internal memorandum was prepared by Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 21 July 1989 during the diplomatic campaign for the election of the Secretary-General of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). The document summarizes consultations undertaken by Tanzanian diplomats across Africa to assess support for Dr. Salim’s candidacy and to evaluate the expected voting patterns among member states. 

It records the positions of numerous African governments, the arguments advanced by supporters of the incumbent Secretary-General Ide Oumarou of Niger, and strategic guidance given to Tanzania’s delegation on how to promote Dr. Salim’s candidacy while maintaining diplomatic decorum. 

The memorandum also reflects the broader political dynamics within the OAU at the time, including debates over leadership renewal, regional alignments, and the search for consensus among member states ahead of the election.