Shifting from apathy to action: African Union's tentative pledge to democratic values in the European Union's southern region
The African Union (AU) has come under scrutiny in a recent study, suggesting that its democracy promotion mechanisms may not be as effective as intended. The study, focusing on the AU's responses to regime changes in the European Union's Southern Neighbourhood, reveals a pattern of selective enforcement and deviations from established democratic principles.
Countries like Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan were particularly under the microscope, as the AU reacted to regime changes influenced by the Arab Spring and unrest in the EU's Southern Neighbourhood during 2011 and 2019. Despite the AU's formal commitment to constitutionalism and anti-coup norms, the study found that it has often deviated from these standards in practice.
The AU's responses to these uprisings have been influenced by factors such as internal divisions, external pressures, and a preference for stability over democratic principles. This selective enforcement is seen as a significant concern, raising questions about the AU's credibility and the effectiveness of its mechanisms.
The AU boasts a solid normative framework for democracy promotion, including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) and the principle of non-indifference. However, the practical application of these principles has been inconsistent, particularly in response to regime changes in the EU's Southern Neighbourhood.
The study analyses the AU's responses to the 2011 and 2019 uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, revealing a pattern of selective enforcement. This pattern, influenced by internal divisions, external pressures, and a preference for stability over democratic principles within the AU, has raised concerns about the AU's commitment to its own democratic ideals.
As the AU continues to navigate regional transformations, it is crucial to address these concerns and strive for consistent application of its democratic principles. This will not only bolster the AU's credibility but also ensure that its mechanisms are effective in promoting democracy across the continent.
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