Addis Ababa: African leaders gathering for the African Union summit in Addis Ababa are facing mounting pressure to restore trust in democratic governance and respond to growing public frustration, especially among young people.
Across the continent, many citizens feel disconnected from the African Union, saying it represents governments rather than the people. Africa has the youngest population in the world, yet political power in many countries remains concentrated among long serving leaders. Analysts say this gap has fueled frustration among youth who want greater accountability, economic opportunity and meaningful participation in public life.
The Union is also under scrutiny over its response to military coups and disputed elections. Since 2020, several African countries have experienced military takeovers or attempted coups, raising concerns about democratic backsliding. Critics argue that while the AU condemns coups, it has sometimes appeared to support incumbents during flawed elections, weakening public confidence in its commitment to democratic principles.
Observers note that enforcement remains a major challenge. AU decisions depend on the cooperation of member states, and compliance is not always guaranteed. This has limited the organization’s ability to ensure democratic standards and constitutional order.
Security crises across the continent are adding to the pressure. The war in Sudan has become one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies and is widely seen as a test of African leadership. Ongoing conflicts and insurgencies in several regions continue to strain peace efforts and highlight the AU’s limited capacity to respond quickly and effectively.
The summit is also taking place amid shifting global alliances and declining foreign aid, pushing African nations to reassess partnerships and development strategies. Leaders are expected to discuss climate challenges, humanitarian needs and economic cooperation as part of broader efforts to strengthen resilience.
Experts say the African Union must act decisively to rebuild credibility. Calls are growing for consistent enforcement of democratic norms, stronger conflict resolution mechanisms and policies that reflect the aspirations of Africa’s young population.
Without meaningful reform, analysts warn that the gap between citizens and continental leadership could widen further, threatening both stability and democratic progress.