Tanzania, April 18 -- The year was 1991, and the world stood on the precipice of war.

Iraqi forces had occupied Kuwait for months, tensions were high, and military action by the coalition forces led by the United States seemed inevitable against Baghdad.

Yet, amidst the escalating conflict, a quiet effort for peace was unfolding. At the centre of it stood Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, the Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity's (OAU), latest documents published in the diplomat's archives on Thursday, April 18, 2024, titled Salim's Personal Notes reveal.

Salim's journey took him to Cairo, Egypt, where he met with President Hosni Mubarak. His mission was to try to avert the impending invasion of Iraq by US-led coalition forces. ...