Integrity Journal of Arts and Humanities

This paper critically examines the resurgence of unconstitutional changes in government (UCG) in contemporary Africa, focusing on the underlying causes, consequences, and the African Union's (AU) responses to these developments. The study highlights the ongoing challenges of democratisation on the continent. The ideal of good governance, characterised by political legitimacy, responsive leadership, and accountability, remains largely unfulfilled. The paradoxical governance architecture in Africa has led to the emergence of authoritarian regimes, creating an environment ripe for military coups. The paper highlights that despite the AU’s efforts to address these unconstitutional power shifts through sanctions and other measures, its responses have often been inconsistent and insufficient. The recent wave of military interventions since the 2000s illustrates the shortcomings of the AU’s approach. The paper argues that while poor governance and legitimacy crises are key drivers of these coups, the AU’s ineffective and sporadic responses further undermine the continent's prospects for achieving stable democracy and good governance in the 21st century. Employing an exploratory method and qualitative analysis of existing literature on coups and AU responses, the paper reveals that the AU’s actions have varied from firm stances to passive and often unperceptive responses. To address this critical issue, the paper recommends that the AU adopt a more proactive and unified approach. It emphasizes the necessity for AU member states to present a cohesive front, reinforce democratic institutions, and implement robust measures to prevent the contagion of military coups, thus safeguarding the continent’s path toward enduring democratic stability and good governance.