Editorial: The Return of Military Coups in Africa — Causes and Consequences of a Growing Trend
By EgbemaVoice Editorial Board
In recent years, Africa has witnessed a disturbing resurgence of military coups — a phenomenon many believed had been buried in the continent’s political past. From the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, soldiers have once again become power brokers. In just a few years, nations like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Chad, Gabon and Madagascar have experienced successful coups, while countries such as Nigeria have recently battled allegations or attempts of the same.
The question arises: What is fueling this dangerous wave of military takeovers in Africa?
1. Broken Governance and the Collapse of Trust
At the heart of the current coup epidemic lies a crisis of governance. Across many African states, citizens have grown weary of corrupt and incompetent civilian administrations that fail to deliver basic social and economic needs.
Governments that promise prosperity often deliver poverty, insecurity, and division. Transparency and accountability are rare commodities, and the perception of democracy as a “tool for the elite” has eroded public trust.
This widespread frustration provides fertile ground for ambitious soldiers who present themselves as “men of integrity” ready to rescue their nations from corrupt politicians. In countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, the military justified its actions as a response to “national failure and leadership irresponsibility.”
2. Electoral Manipulation and Constitutional Abuse
A major factor driving coups is the manipulation of electoral systems and constitutions by leaders seeking to perpetuate themselves in power. Across the continent, incumbents have used legal loopholes, constitutional amendments, and electoral fraud to extend their tenures — disregarding public will.
When citizens lose faith in elections as a path to change, they begin to view military intervention as a lesser evil. The 2021 coup in Guinea, which toppled President Alpha Condé after he altered the constitution for a third term, is a vivid example of how political greed can provoke the gun to rise against the ballot.
3. Insecurity, Terrorism, and State Fragility
Another driving force behind recent coups is the failure of civilian governments to contain insecurity. In the Sahel region — stretching through Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad — jihadist violence and terrorism have killed thousands, displaced millions, and devastated economies.
Military leaders in these regions have blamed civilian governments for incompetence in handling the crisis. The people, desperate for safety, often welcomed the soldiers as liberators — at least initially. But history has shown that military rule rarely brings lasting stability.
4. Economic Desperation and Social Frustration
Economic hardship remains a major trigger for political instability.
Across much of Africa, poverty, unemployment, inflation, and inequality are rising. Youths feel excluded from opportunities, while corruption siphons national wealth into private pockets.
As daily life becomes unbearable, public anger grows — and in many cases, the military exploits that frustration. Soldiers promise economic revival and justice, only to later fall into the same traps of mismanagement and corruption that doomed the governments they replaced.
5. Foreign Influence and Geopolitical Interests
Africa’s renewed coup wave cannot be separated from global power rivalries.
The continent’s rich natural resources — gold, uranium, oil, and critical minerals — attract competing interests from the West (France, the US, and EU) and emerging powers like Russia and China.
Recent coups in the Sahel have seen new leaders expel French troops and align with Russia’s Wagner Group, citing sovereignty and anti-colonial rhetoric. However, this shift has deepened geopolitical divisions and militarized politics even further.
6. Weak Regional and Continental Response
Regional organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union (AU), and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have struggled to respond effectively to unconstitutional power seizures.
Their reactions — often limited to suspensions or mild sanctions — lack consistency and force. Some nations are punished harshly, while others receive leniency depending on political alliances.
This double standard has emboldened would-be coup plotters who see no serious consequences for toppling elected governments.
7. The People’s Paradox: When Citizens Cheer the Soldiers
Ironically, in many countries, coups have received initial public support.
Years of corruption, unemployment, and insecurity have made citizens desperate for change. When soldiers promise reform, they are often greeted with celebrations instead of resistance.
However, the reality soon sets in — freedom shrinks, dissent is silenced, and the same cycle of misrule continues. What begins as a “people’s revolution” often ends in renewed oppression.
8. Africa’s Leadership and Institutional Crisis
Ultimately, the wave of coups reveals a deeper crisis of leadership and institutional weakness. Many African democracies revolve around personalities rather than institutions.
Once leaders fail or lose legitimacy, there are no strong systems to preserve national stability. The military — organized, armed, and united — becomes the only institution capable of seizing power.
The Way Forward: Restoring Faith in Democracy
Africa stands at a crossroads. To break this cycle, the continent must rebuild faith in democratic governance.
This requires:
Strong, independent institutions that outlive individual leaders.
Transparent elections and zero tolerance for constitutional manipulation.
Economic reforms that reduce inequality and create opportunities for young people.
Professional, apolitical military forces dedicated to protecting, not governing.
And a resolute African Union that treats all unconstitutional changes of power with equal firmness.
Conclusion
The recurrence of coups across Africa is not merely a military issue it is a symptom of deeper political, economic, and social decay.
Until African leaders govern with integrity, deliver justice, and respect the people’s will, the continent will remain vulnerable to the lure of the barracks.
True stability will not come from the gun, but from good governance, strong institutions, and genuine democracy.
EgbemaVoice News Editorial board,
EgbemaVoice multiglobal venture,
EgbemaVoice worldwide,
EgbemaVoice TV,
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