Explore the reasons behind the increase in military coups in Africa, including a crisis of legitimacy, failure to address jihadist threats, misuse of resources, and corruption. Discuss the impact of poverty, climate change, and dissatisfaction with government performance. Examine the decline of French influence in Africa and the need for political engagement. Address the disappointment of the youth due to limited choices and resource capture by a small elite. Highlight recent examples of coups and the potential rise of Russian influence. Emphasize the concern over the solidification of military regimes and the undermining of civilian rule.
The recent resurgence of military coups in Africa can be attributed to a crisis of legitimacy, the failure to address jihadist movements, and issues of corruption and abusive power.
The rise of military coups in Africa is fueled by general dissatisfaction worsened by economic pressures, corruption, and a disconnect between the old guard in power and the aspirations of the youth for a better future.
Deep dives
Reasons for Military Coups in Africa
Military coups are on the rise in Africa, with countries like Niger, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Guinea, and Chad experiencing coups in the past three years. The reasons for these coups can be categorized into three main factors. First, there is a crisis of legitimacy, as elections alone no longer guarantee leaders' credibility in several countries, such as Gabon and Guinea. Second, the failure to effectively address jihadist movements and the resulting frustration among both the military and civilians have led to coups in Burkina Faso and Mali. Finally, issues of corruption, misuse of resources, and abusive power have fueled discontent in countries like Mali, but Niger presents a different scenario, where reforming the security sector and power dynamics have contributed to instability.
Socioeconomic Backdrop to the Coups
The coups in Africa have taken place against a backdrop of general dissatisfaction, worsened by the economic pressures of the pandemic, energy and food price increases, and stagnant living conditions. The glaring corruption in Mali, coupled with the government's mishandling of the jihadist threat, has deepened people's frustration. Young urban populations are particularly disillusioned with the longstanding elite leaders who do not bring about positive change. The highest birth rates and youngest populations in countries like Niger highlight the disconnect between the old guard in power and the aspirations of the youth for a better future.
Challenges for Global and Regional Actors
The rise of military coups in Africa and the decline of French influence in the region have posed challenges for global and regional actors. While some attribute the coups to the decline of French aid and influence, it is important to note that both Francophone and Anglophone countries in West Africa are experiencing similar issues. Nigeria, traditionally seen as a regional leader, has lost influence due to its own internal challenges and inability to effectively address regional crises. Western governments, including France, must reassess their approach to Africa and the Sahel, particularly in terms of governance, development, and intervention. Amidst these regional dynamics, there is also growing interest from other actors, such as Russia, although their presence is still limited.
Gideon talks to Comfort Ero, president of the International Crisis Group, about what’s behind the recent resurgence of military coups in the Sahel region. Clip: BBC
