Cardozo International & Comparative Law Review
Abstract
The article examines the phenomenon of "constitutional coups" in Africa, where leaders manipulate constitutional provisions to extend their power, undermining democracy. It argues that while the African Union (AU) has adopted frameworks like the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine to address unconstitutional regime changes, its response to constitutional coups has been inconsistent and ineffective. The analysis highlights the tension between state sovereignty and human rights, emphasizing the need for stronger AU mechanisms to prevent such abuses and promote democratic governance.
Disciplines
Comparative and Foreign Law | Human Rights Law | International Law | Law | Law and Politics | Legal History | Military, War, and Peace
Recommended Citation
John M. Mbaku,
Constitutional Coups as a Threat to Democratic Governance in Africa,
2
Cardozo Int’l & Compar. L. Rev.
77
(2018).
Available at:
https://larc.cardozo.yu.edu/ciclr/vol2/iss1/5
Included in
Comparative and Foreign Law Commons, Human Rights Law Commons, International Law Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Legal History Commons, Military, War, and Peace Commons