By: Godwin Onuh Odeh, PhD The African Union (AU) on October 15, 2025, suspended Madagascar for unconstitutional seizure of power...
By: Godwin Onuh Odeh, PhD
The African Union (AU) on October 15, 2025, suspended Madagascar for unconstitutional seizure of power by the military. The AU, without doubt, has been at the forefront of promoting democracy, stability, and good governance in Africa. However, its approach to dealing with military coups has been criticized for being ineffective in promoting democratic transitions, governance, and holding leaders accountable for their actions.
The recent military coup in Madagascar, which led to the suspension of the country from the AU, highlights the need for a new approach. Instead of suspending entire member states, the AU should focus on suspending bad and incompetent leaders who create fertile ground for unconstitutional seizures of power.
The AU's current approach to dealing with military coups is to suspend the affected member state from its activities. This approach has been used in several instances, including in Madagascar, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. While the intention behind this approach is to pressure the military leaders to restore constitutional order, it often ends up punishing innocent citizens who had no role in the coup.
Suspending a member state can have far-reaching consequences, including economic hardship, social unrest, and humanitarian crises. For instance, the previous suspension of Madagascar from the AU has led to a decline in foreign investment, reduced economic growth, and increased poverty. The suspension has also affected the country's access to international aid and development programs, which are critical for addressing the country's development challenges.
Instead of suspending entire member states, the AU should focus on suspending bad and corrupt leaders in Africa. It needs to review its charter to capture such measures; otherwise, unconstitutional seizures of power will continue to thrive. If we're blaming military takeovers, we should also blame the things that serve as invitations for military intervention in politics.
The AU's approach is like telling a child to stop crying without addressing the fundamental causes of the cry. Thus, the approach would target the individuals responsible for the coup, rather than punishing the entire nation. By suspending bad leaders, the AU can:
I. Promote accountability, as suspending bad leaders would hold them accountable for their actions and prevent them from benefiting from their unconstitutional actions;
II. Protect citizens, as targeting individual leaders would protect innocent citizens from the consequences of the coup; and
III. Support democratic transitions, as the measure can create an opportunity for democratic transitions and the restoration of constitutional order when bad leadership is suspended.
The recent military coup in Madagascar, which ousted President Andry Rajoelina, has led to widespread condemnation from the international community. The AU's suspension of Madagascar is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the crisis. By suspending the individual leaders responsible for the coup, the AU can increase pressure on them to restore constitutional order and facilitate a swift transition to democratic governance.
This approach would also send a strong message that unconstitutional changes in government will not be tolerated in Africa, as well as high-handedness and bad leadership from democratically elected leaders. In short, democracy should not be a ticket to corruption and bad governance and leadership in Africa.
Conclusion
The African Union's approach to dealing with military coups needs to be reformed. Instead of suspending entire member states, the AU should focus on suspending bad leaders before the situation degenerates into an illegal capture of state power. This approach would promote accountability, protect citizens, and support democratic transitions. The Madagascar experience highlights the need for a new approach, and the AU must take bold steps to reform its approach to promoting democracy and stability in Africa.
Recommendations
1. The AU should develop a policy framework for suspending bad leaders who seize power unconstitutionally.
2. The AU should work with regional organizations and international partners to increase pressure on bad leaders and support democratic transitions.
3. The AU should provide support to countries transitioning to democratic governance, including technical assistance and electoral support.
Through policy review and shift, and by adopting a new approach, the AU can promote democracy, stability, and good governance in Africa, and ensure that leaders are held accountable for their actions.
Dr. Godwin Onuh Odeh
Department of History and International Studies
Sokoto State University, Sokoto, Nigeria
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