Africa Witnessed 7 Military Coups In 3 Years

Amidst political unrest, the African continent witnesses Gabon as the latest country to undergo a coup d’état.

In a troubling trend of political upheaval, Africa has been shaken by seven coups since August 2020, and tensions rise further as a new coup unfolds in Gabon.

Niger’s Power Shift
On July 26, 2023, the military took control in Niger, overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum. General Abdourahamane Tiani swiftly emerged as the new leader, solidifying his position as the country’s new strongman. The military proposes a transition period of up to three years before civilian rule is restored, prompting concerns about the nation’s stability.

ECOWAS Intervention in Niger
In response to the crisis, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on August 10 its plans to deploy a regional force aimed at restoring constitutional order. The organization continues to emphasize diplomatic approaches, underscoring the complexity of the situation.

Burkina Faso’s Dual Coups
Burkina Faso faced a double blow to its stability. On January 24, 2022, President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was ousted by the military. Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba assumed the presidency in February. However, the nation experienced yet another upheaval on September 30 when Damiba was dismissed by the military. Captain Ibrahim Traoré stepped in as the transitional president, with a presidential election scheduled for July 2024.

Sudan’s Ongoing Struggles
Sudan’s road to democracy faced setbacks on October 25, 2021, when soldiers led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane ousted transitional civilian leaders. These leaders were tasked with steering the nation towards democratic governance following three decades of Omar al-Bashir‘s dictatorship. Since April 15, 2023, internal conflicts between General Burhane and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdane Daglo have plunged the nation into war, claiming over 5,000 lives.

Guinea’s Coup and Pledge
Guinea experienced its own coup on September 5, 2021, with President Alpha Condé being overthrown by the military. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya assumed the presidency on October 1. The military, however, promised a return to elected civilian leadership by the close of 2024, attempting to reassure a nation weary from political instability.

Mali’s Repeated Crises
Mali faced a tumultuous period with two coups occurring within a span of nine months. The first coup, on August 18, 2020, led to the removal of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. A transitional government was established in October. However, the instability continued as on May 24, 2021, the military detained both the president and the prime minister. Colonel Assimi Goïta was inaugurated in June as the transitional president. The junta has promised a return to civilian governance post the February 2024 elections, leaving the nation’s future uncertain.

As Africa grapples with these continuous political shifts, questions about stability, democracy, and the well-being of its citizens remain at the forefront. The series of coups raises concerns about the region’s ability to maintain order and transition smoothly toward lasting democratic governance.