African Coups: A Reflection of Governance Woes and the Call for Change

In recent years, Africa has witnessed a concerning surge in coup d’états, each unveiling a complex interplay of factors that point to deeper issues plaguing the continent. The coups seen in countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad, Guinea, Niger, and most recently Gabon, are a reminder of the persistent challenges of bad governance, poor leadership, entrenched poverty, and political manipulation that have hindered progress across the continent.

The coup in Burkina Faso serves as an exemplar of how ineffective governance and leadership can foment instability. Burkina Faso’s army ousted President Roch Kabore in January 2022, blaming him for failing to contain violence by Islamist militants.

Coup leader Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba pledged to restore security, but attacks worsened, eroding morale in the armed forces and leading to a second coup eight months later when current junta leader Captain Ibrahim Traore, seized power in September following a mutiny..

The events in Mali, characterized by a series of coups, underscore the multifaceted challenges facing many African nations. A group of Malian colonels led by Assimi Goita ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in August 2020. The coup followed anti-government protests over deteriorating security, contested legislative elections, and allegations of corruption.

Under pressure from Mali’s West African neighbours, the junta agreed to cede power to a civilian-led interim government tasked with overseeing an 18-month transition to democratic elections in February 2022.

However, the coup leaders clashed with the interim president, retired Colonel Bah Ndaw, and engineered a second coup in May 2021. Goita, who had served as interim vice president, was elevated to the presidency. ECOWAS lifted some of the sanctions on Mali after the military rulers proposed a two-year transition to democracy and published a new electoral law. The country is scheduled to hold a presidential election in February 2024 to return to constitutional rule.

Chad’s story presents the pitfalls of an unconstitutional transfer of power. President Idriss Deby’s death during a military operation led to a power vacuum, which was swiftly exploited by the military council.

Chad’s army took power in April 2021 after President Idriss Deby was killed on the battlefield while visiting troops fighting rebels in the north.

Under Chadian law, the speaker of parliament should have become president. But a military council stepped in and dissolved parliament in the name of ensuring stability.

Deby’s son, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, was named interim president and tasked with overseeing an 18-month transition to elections. The unconstitutional transfer of power led to riots in the capital N’Djamena that were put down by the military.

President Alpha Conde’s removal in Guinea underscores the resentment that can build when leaders attempt to hold onto power beyond constitutional limits. Widespread rioting, triggered by Conde’s alteration of the constitution to extend his presidency, shows the public’s strong desire for accountability and democratic governance.

This led the special forces commander Colonel Mamady Doumbouya to oust President Alpha Conde in September 2021. A year earlier, Conde had changed the constitution to circumvent limits that would have prevented him from standing for a third term, triggering widespread rioting.

Doumbouya became interim president and promised a transition to democratic elections within three years. ECOWAS rejected the timeline and imposed sanctions on junta members and their relatives, including freezing their bank accounts. The military regime started the 24-month transition in January 2023, but opposition parties say it has done little to put in place institutions and a roadmap to return to constitutional rule.

In Niger, the recent coup against President Mohamed Bazoum again underscores the fragility of democratic transitions in the face of ingrained issues. The junta’s claim that the president’s election was not credible raises questions about electoral integrity and political manipulation. This situation highlights the need for robust democratic institutions, as well as measures to address electoral irregularities and prevent manipulation.

The most recent coup in Gabon has added to the concerning trend. The removal of a president who had been in power for over five decades speaks to the consequences of prolonged rule and dynastic politics. The junta said they removed the President because his election was not credible. Bongo, who has been in power since 1999 following the death of his father was declared the winner of the election for his third term in office.

They appeared on national TV, Gabon24 to announce the annulment of the election in the early hours of Wednesday, August 30, 2023. The junta also dissolved all state institutions and closed the country’s borders.

The junta’s assertion that the move was intended to “defend the peace” points to underlying public dissatisfaction with longstanding leadership, which was fueled by socio-economic disparities and a lack of opportunities.

Collectively, these coup events underscore the need for comprehensive reforms that address the root causes of instability in African countries. Bad governance, poor leadership, corruption, and a lack of accountability have contributed to a vicious cycle of unrest, curtailing development and progress. The international community, including regional bodies like the African Union and ECOWAS, must play a pivotal role in fostering democratic governance, promoting the rule of law, and supporting economic growth.

While immediate efforts might be directed at restoring constitutional order, long-term solutions require addressing the socio-economic inequalities that foster dissent and armed interventions. Sustainable development, effective institutions, and genuine commitment to democratic values are crucial for breaking free from the cycle of coups and ensuring a stable and prosperous future for Africa.

Lists of African Coups and Coup Attempts Since 2010

The Broader Implications

The recent coups across Africa point to a broader trend of democratic issues. Bad governance, economic inequalities, security challenges, and leadership failures have fueled public dissatisfaction. Citizens’ growing disillusionment with the electoral process has created an opening for military interventions and unconstitutional power transitions.

The spread of coups across Africa is a cause for concern. While each country’s circumstances are unique, the interconnectedness of the region means that instability in one nation can have a ripple effect. The normalization of coups could undermine democratic progress made over the past few decades and pave the way for authoritarian regimes, exacerbating existing socio-economic challenges.

The Way Forward

To mitigate the risk of further coups, African nations need to address underlying governance issues, strengthen institutions, and ensure that leaders are held accountable. A renewed commitment to democratic norms, free and fair elections, and inclusive governance is crucial. International bodies, such as the African Union and regional organizations like ECOWAS, must play a proactive role in upholding democratic values and mediating disputes.

Reference: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/recent-coups-west-central-africa-2023-07-26/