African Union's Shifting Stance on Democracy in EU's Southern Region: Tiptoeing from Neutrality to Action?
The African Union (AU), a regional body dedicated to fostering democracy, elections, and governance, has faced queries regarding its credibility in addressing uprisings across several nations. A recent study explores the AU's handling of the 2011 and 2019 uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan.
The study uncovers a pattern of selective enforcement by the AU, influenced by internal divisions, external pressures, and a focus on maintaining stability. This pattern raises concerns about the AU's ability to consistently uphold its democratic principles.
The AU has a formal commitment to constitutionalism and anti-coup norms, as outlined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) and the principle of non-indifference. However, the practical application of these commitments has been inconsistent. In some instances, the AU's responses were shaped by a prioritization of stability over democratic principles.
The high-ranking AU official involved in coordinating responses to these uprisings remains unidentified in the available search results. Despite this, the study offers insights into the complex interplay of factors that influenced the AU's responses.
The AU's focus on democracy support, particularly in response to regime changes in the EU Southern Neighbourhood, is evident. However, the effectiveness of its democracy support mechanisms in these situations is a subject of debate. The study suggests that the AU's responses to uprisings in certain countries were shaped by a prioritization of maintaining regional stability over promoting democracy.
In conclusion, the study underscores the need for the AU to fortify its democracy support mechanisms and ensure consistent adherence to its democratic principles. Maintaining regional stability is vital, but it should not compromise democratic values and principles. The AU's credibility as a champion of democracy in Africa relies on its ability to strike this balance effectively.
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