L’OUA/UA face à la récurrence des coups d’état en Afrique occidentale et centrale (1963-2022)

Abstract

The OAU/AU facing the recurrence of coups d'état in West and Central Africa 1963-2022, is the title of this work. This study aims to tell of the political historiography of Africa by focusing particularly on coups d'état. Indeed, in order to consolidate national unity, to ensure an economic take-off, the heads of state of sub-Saharan Africa moved from democratic regimes to monolithic regimes, later transformed into authoritarian regimes. Thus, since 1963, Africa has been marked by political instability due to the resurgence of military and civil coups d'état. The central question of this study is: what actions have been taken by the OUA and UA to combat coups d’état in west and central Africa from 1963 to 2022? Oral and written sources were used in this study. In addition, the qualitative method was used and two theories, namely the theory of democratic peace and that of systems, were mobilized. It emerges that factors such as corruption, poor governance, squandering of resources, ethno-religious problems and security exasperations security issues are the main motives for coups d'état. To these motives, we must add the incompatible interests of some leaders with those of the former colonial power To deal with this instability, the African Union, born from the ashes of the OAU, established the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Good Governance, associated with related bodies, to promote democratic culture in Africa. It has provided in its texts sanctions ranging from the suspension of the activities of the Union, including economic and diplomatic sanctions. To eradicate coups d'état in Africa, it is important for heads of state to ensure that democratic principles are respected. Finally, there must be organizational dependence of the army on the civil power. To the extent that the army must respect the status determined by Parliament and the military policy defined by the President of the Republic.