Shift from Neutrality to Action? African Union's Tentative Pledge to Democratic Values in EU's Southern Region
The African Union (AU) is under scrutiny for its inconsistent approach to democracy support, particularly in the context of regime changes in the EU Southern Neighborhood. A recent study has revealed a pattern of selective enforcement in the AU's responses, raising concerns about its commitment to democratic principles.
The study analyses the AU's responses to the 2011 and 2019 uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan. It found that these responses were often influenced by internal divisions, external pressures, and a prioritization of stability over democratic principles. This inconsistent practical application of democracy support has been a subject of criticism, with the AU being accused of deviating from its own democracy support standards.
Since 2011, the AU's reactions have affected states experiencing regime changes, notably countries undergoing political transitions such as Libya and Egypt. In these cases, the AU has been criticized for failing to condemn unconstitutional regime changes or coups promptly, thus violating its own anti-coup policies and constitutional principles.
Despite the AU's 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, the study reveals that the AU often deviates from its own standards. This deviation has led to questions about the AU's credibility and the effectiveness of its democracy support mechanisms.
The study also highlights the challenges faced by the AU in maintaining its commitment to democracy support in the context of regime changes. It underscores the need for the AU to address the inconsistencies in its practical application of democracy support.
The AU's role in supporting democracy is currently under examination, focusing on regime changes in the EU Southern Neighborhood. The case study suggests that the AU's responses to regime changes in this region have been influenced by factors beyond its normative framework. This raises questions about the AU's ability to uphold its democratic principles in the face of external pressures and internal divisions.
In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the AU's role in democracy support, revealing a pattern of selective enforcement that raises concerns about its commitment to democratic principles. It underscores the need for the AU to address these inconsistencies and strengthen its democracy support mechanisms to effectively promote and uphold democratic values in Africa.
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