On February 14, during a significant gathering of the African Union, Guinean and Gabonese leaders were met with severe criticism instead of a welcoming environment. The two leaders, who recently came to power through military coups, faced harsh scrutiny led by outgoing AU President João Lourenço of Angola. As a former military figure himself, Lourenço's remarks were particularly pointed, as he admonished the new entrants into an alliance that is traditionally seen as one promoting democratic governance.

The atmosphere in the AU assembly reflected a broader unease among member states regarding the increasing trend of military coups across the continent. Many attendees interpreted Lourenço's speech as a cautionary note to other leaders who might consider similar paths to power, prompting a renaissance in discussions surrounding legitimacy and governance. The AU's stance presents a significant deviation from past responses, suggesting a potentially wider commitment to uphold democratic principles among its members.

This recent pronouncement by the AU could indicate a turning point in how the continent collectively addresses issues of governance, power transitions, and military intervention. The rejection of normalizing military coups could lead to increased political isolation for coup leaders and reinforce the importance of democratic elections within the AU framework, highlighting the challenges ahead for nations grappling with governance.