African Union Fails to Enforce Treaty Obligations in Mali, South Sudan, and Other Countries
Published on 4.8.25
The African Union's failure to enforce its treaty obligations has emboldened coup leaders, who see it as a green light to disregard democratic norms. The AU's inaction has been criticized for undermining its credibility as a champion of democracy on the continent.
In recent years, several countries have witnessed coups, with some leaders refusing to step down despite international pressure. The AU's treaty obligations are clear: member states must respect democratic principles and refrain from supporting or condoning coups. However, the organization has been criticized for its inconsistent response to coup leaders, with some leaders facing little consequence for their actions.
In contrast, regional bodies like ECOWAS have shown more proactive leadership in enforcing their own norms and taking action against coup regimes. For instance, ECOWAS intervened in Mali after a military coup in 2020, imposing economic sanctions on the country until a civilian-led government was established.
The US decision to revoke visas held by South Sudanese passport holders highlights the need for regional organizations like the AU to take a more robust stance against coup regimes and uphold democratic norms in post-transition states. The AU's failure to do so undermines its credibility as a champion of democracy on the continent, emboldening coup leaders and threatening regional stability.