Patterns of African Union Sanctions on Coups d’État: Civilian Control as a Political Message

Abstract

This paper analyses the African Union’s (AU) imposition and lifting of sanctions in response to coups d’état. It argues that AU decisions follow a rational logic rooted in member states’ political interests and the principle of civilian control. While existing studies stress ambiguity in AU sanctions post-Arab Spring, few have examined all coup cases. Analysing incidents since 2007, this study finds that ‘non-pure military coups’ rarely triggered sanctions, while lifting them required civilian-led transitions or elections. It shows that, despite perceived inconsistencies, AU responses reflect a largely consistent stance against military rule and are more systematic than often assumed.