Coups are back in Africa: what are continental and regional responses missing?

New thinking and alternative approaches by the AU and RECs are essential to end the resurgence.

Efforts by the African Union and regional economic communities (RECs) to address the coup resurgence, notably through legal frameworks and instruments, have come under heavy scrutiny and strain. This worrying outlook raises questions about the ability of the Peace and Security Council and RECs to hold member states accountable, and about states’ commitment to democratic and accountable governance. New thinking and alternative approaches are essential.

About the author

Hubert Kinkoh is a Researcher in the African Peace and Security Governance programme at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), based in Addis Ababa. He has a Master’s degree in international relations and peace studies from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Kenya.