ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA — Uganda has chaired the second meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council Sub-Committee on Sanctions, with discussions focusing on preventing unconstitutional changes of government across the continent.

The meeting was chaired by Mr. Michael Wamai of Uganda, who serves as Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council Sub-Committee on Sanctions for July 2026.

Delegates examined political and socio-economic developments in African countries undergoing transitions and discussed measures to strengthen constitutional governance, democratic institutions and early-warning systems.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Neema Chusi, Head of the AU Peace and Security Council Secretariat, warned that unconstitutional changes of government disrupt development, weaken democratic institutions and threaten regional and continental peace and security.

“Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach—one that goes beyond sanctions to tackle the underlying drivers of political instability,” Chusi said.

She stressed that preventing unconstitutional changes of government requires sustained efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold constitutional rule, promote inclusive socio-economic development and encourage civic participation.

Chusi also called for legitimate public grievances that often fuel political instability to be addressed before they escalate into wider crises.

The sub-committee received briefings from Mr. Jackson Hamata, Executive Secretary of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa, as well as special representatives of the AU Commission Chairperson and heads of AU liaison offices covering Mali and the Sahel, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan.

The briefings provided updates on political developments in countries undergoing transition and offered insights into practical measures that could support peaceful political transitions while reducing the risk of future unconstitutional changes of government.

Discussions also focused on identifying early-warning indicators and improving coordination between sanctions, diplomacy, development programmes and regional partnerships.

The meeting underscored the African Union’s commitment to promoting peace, democratic governance and constitutional order as foundations for sustainable development across Africa.