The emergence of a norm against unconstitutional change in government (UCG) in Africa is arguably the greatest evidence of the radical change that has occurred in the landscape of continental inter-governmentalism and governance since the onset of decolonisation in Africa. From behind the veil of the doctrine of sovereignty, there is now firmly established in Africa a norm that outlaws UCGs as the basis for the mandate to rule. As radical as this is in going to the root of the exercise of sovereignty, however, it is also the case that its scope and meaning remains significantly elusive and somewhat controversial. This article explores the contours and elements of the norm against UCGs in Africa. It argues that the norm is subverted if it is read as encouraging interminable presidency and must be seen as a constraint against that tendency.