Founded in 1963, the Organization of African Unity helped strengthen and defend African unity across the continent. The 53 member-countries sought to increase development and economic unity within and between member-countries. It was disbanded in 2002 by South African President Thabo Mbeki when the new African Union was created with the same 53 member states. The African Union seeks to integrate political and socio-economic interests of the member states, speaking with a common voice on issues involving Africa. Its headquarters is in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.