From Non-Interference to Non-Indifference? The African Union’s Fragile Commitment to Democracy in the EU Southern Neighbourhood

This case study explores the African Union’s (AU) evolving role in democracy support, particularly in response to regime changes in the EU Southern Neighbourhood. While the AU has developed a robust normative framework – including the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) and the principle of non-indifference – its practical application has been inconsistent. Through an analysis of the AU’s responses to the 2011 and 2019 uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Sudan, the study reveals a pattern of selective enforcement shaped by internal divisions, external pressures, and a prioritisation of stability over democratic principles. Despite its formal commitment to constitutionalism and anti-coup norms, the AU often deviates from its own standards, raising questions about its credibility and the effectiveness of its democracy support mechanisms.