The European Union (EU) has achieved its main goal of making sure that its member states won’t engage in violent conflict with one another but instead resolve their issues peacefully. It owes some of its accomplishments to a set of management and enforcement tools that make sure that member nations follow the rules and guidelines.
Other regional organisations, such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), are moving closer to their goals of cultural, social, and economic development. ASEAN relies on its distinctive informal principles and consensus-based decision-making.
On July 9, the continental body will commemorate its 20th anniversary, which is cause for celebration. The African Continental Free Trade Area, which started on January 1, 2021, is a significant accomplishment. By the end of 2022, it is anticipated to increase intra-African commerce by around $35 billion.
The bigger market will probably draw capital for the construction of continental infrastructure. Africa will become more competitive globally, have an improvement in social welfare, and be better positioned for further industrialization thanks to the increased commerce. The more than one billion people living on the continent should benefit from the economic prosperity that results.
To improve economic, commercial, and cultural connections with Africa’s top trading partner, the AU has established a permanent presence in Beijing, China. Africa’s worldwide standing and capacity to speak with one voice on international issues are strengthened by this.
The UN Security Council still has to be reformed in order to grant Africa at least two permanent seats. Africa is not represented in the council’s permanent delegation despite the continent being the subject of more than two thirds of its agenda.
In order to guide Africa toward a successful future, the AU still needs to address two major issues, in my opinion. These include leaders abusing their positions of authority by using illegal methods and disregarding the law.
Unconstitutional hold on power
In Africa, military coups and the use of extralegal tactics to maintain power have seen a disturbing comeback. Since General Abdel Fattah El-Sisi overthrew Egypt’s government in 2013, there have been at least 32 coups and coup attempts.
In 2019, the AU gave him the position of rotating chair, so tacitly condoning power grabs.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concern that certain military officers believed they could do anything they wanted after the October 2021 coup in Sudan.
Since 2020, five of the seven coup attempts have been successful. Pro-democracy demonstrations were violently put down by the coup leaders in the five countries of Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan.
For instance, nearly 100 people have died as a result of the persecution of anti-coup protesters in Sudan. Food insecurity poses a threat to over 18 million Sudanese.
The AU, however, presents itself as if it is ignorant of Sudan’s political impasse.
Some coup conspirators use the deplorable social, political, and economic conditions in their country as justification for their acts. For instance, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya of Guinea justified the ouster of President Alpha Condé in September 2021 by pointing to widespread corruption and a lack of economic advancement.
Condé had rigged the system to give him more time in office. The result was political unrest. However, that does not excuse the coup.
A retreat from democratic principles and a peaceful transfer of power is shown by turning a blind eye to unconstitutional leaders and their behaviour. Africa’s security is at risk.
Some African leaders have mastered the skill of maintaining power without following the law. Election rigging is done through violence. Or they alter the eligibility requirements to keep competitors out. In Tanzania, legislation restricting the freedoms of expression and assembly were passed and put into effect prior to the 2020 election.
Others criminalise well-liked opposition figures, as happened in Uganda with strong candidate Bobi Wine. To alter constitutions and extend their stay, some pretend to be constitutional reformers.
Disregard for the rule of law
The autocratic authority of the Cold War era is returning to Africa. Governments that were legitimately and democratically elected are increasingly taking action against civil society organisations. Even though it is a part of a global trend, this is concerning.
The institutions that should keep the governments accountable are being eliminated by the governments, and the media is being silenced. They detain activists and pass legislation that limits civil society organisations’ operations.
The AU’s normative framework processes, which are concerned with the rule of law, peace, security, democracy, good governance, and human rights, are directly contradicted by this reversal in democratic values.
The AU should take firm action against members who erode the rule of law on their soil. For sustained and equitable economic growth, sustainable development, and the abolition of hunger and poverty, the rule of law is crucial. The rule of law promotes prosperity for people, businesses, and trade.
Looking ahead
African leaders should address the problems which military leaders use as the pretext for coups in African states – mainly corruption, misrule and insecurity. Solving these problems would deny the military an excuse to interfere in civilian matters.
Instead of cracking down on citizens and civil society, states should use their natural resources to grow their economies and empower citizens. Collective economic strength will improve Africa’s standing as a global actor.
The AU must also handle constitutional infractions with firmness and consistency. It is useless to keep hope that illegitimate leaders will step down. Recent instances demonstrate how offenders simply ignore calls to restore
