Coups in Africa: Role of State failure, elite corruption

Africa has long been plagued by political instability and the frequent occurrence of military coups. In recent years, these coups have been driven primarily by two interconnected factors: state failure and elite corruption. The combination of these issues has created a breeding ground for unrest and political upheaval on the continent.
One of the key factors behind the prevalence of coups in Africa is the failure of many states to effectively govern their territories. This state failure often manifests in the form of weak institutions, rampant corruption, and a lack of public services and infrastructure. When governments are unable to meet the basic needs of their citizens and provide security and stability, it creates a fertile environment for dissent and rebellion. Coups become a means for people to express their frustration and seek change.
Furthermore, elite corruption plays a significant role in the occurrence of coups in Africa. The continent is home to some of the world’s most corrupt leaders and governments, where embezzlement and bribery are widespread. This culture of corruption permeates all levels of society, syphoning off public funds and hindering development efforts. The accumulation of wealth by a small group of elites at the expense of the majority of the population breeds resentment and instability. Coups often arise as a response to this blatant disregard for the welfare of the people.
In addition to internal factors, external players have also played a role in fueling coups in Africa. Insurgencies, ecological distress, and competition for resources and minerals have expanded the context of instability and volatile change. Geopolitical rivalries among major global powers have further exacerbated these issues, with these external actors often supporting different factions and fueling conflicts for their own strategic interests. This has allowed external players to manipulate and exploit the internal dynamics of African countries, further destabilising already fragile political systems.
While the African Union (AU) was established to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent, it has been largely ineffective in addressing the issue of coups. The AU lacks the political will and mechanism to enforce its normative framework and rules. The resurgent transactional politics at both regional and international levels have also hindered the AU’s ability to effectively intervene in cases of political instability. As a result, most coups in Africa are now driven by external players, who take advantage of the weak governance and corrupt practices within African states.
Overcoming the challenges associated with coups in Africa requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, African governments need to prioritise good governance, strengthen institutions, and combat corruption. This includes promoting transparency, accountability, and inclusive policies that address the needs of all citizens. Equally important is the need for increased regional and international cooperation to address the external factors contributing to instability in African countries. The AU must be empowered with the necessary tools and authority to effectively prevent, manage, and resolve political crises.
The List of the Latest Coups in Africa
The Niger Coup
Niger, a landlocked country in West Africa, recently became the epicentre of a political crisis. On Wednesday, the presidential guards held President Mohamed Bazoum captive inside his palace in the capital city of Niamey. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union have condemned this incident as an attempted coup, highlighting the fragile nature of democratic institutions in the region. This event marks the ninth coup or attempted power grab in West and Central Africa in just over three years, signalling a worrisome trend.
The Burkinabe Coup
Burkina Faso, a neighbouring country of Niger, has also seen its fair share of instability. In January 2022, the Burkinabe army ousted President Roch Kabore, accusing him of failing to contain the violence perpetrated by Islamist militants. The coup leader, Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba, promised to restore security, but unfortunately, the situation deteriorated further. The armed forces became demoralised, and eight months later, another coup took place. Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in September, leading the current junta. These successive coups have not only disrupted the governance structure of Burkina Faso but also intensified the prevailing security challenges in the country.
The Malian Coup
Moving further west to Mali, the country has been grappling with political instability since 2020. In August of that year, a group of Malian colonels, led by Assimi Goita, overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita. This coup came in the wake of widespread anti-government protests that criticised the government’s failure to address security concerns, allegations of corruption, and disputed legislative elections. Under pressure from Mali’s West African neighbours, the junta agreed to relinquish power to a civilian-led interim government. The interim government had the responsibility of overseeing an 18-month transition period leading up to democratic elections set to take place in February 2022.
The Chad Coup
Chad went through a momentous political change in April 2021. President Idriss Deby tragically lost his life on the battlefield while visiting troops in the northern part of the country. According to Chadian law, the speaker of parliament was supposed to assume the presidency. However, a military council took control and dissolved parliament.
In this unprecedented turn of events, General Mahamat Idriss Deby, son of President Deby, was appointed as interim president. He has been entrusted with leading an 18-month transitional period that will eventually culminate in elections.
The unconstitutional transfer of power sparked riots in N’Djamena, Chad’s capital city. These disturbances were swiftly quelled by the military.
The Sudanese Coup
Sudan experienced its own momentous event when a coup d’état occurred on April 11th, 2019. The Sudanese Armed Forces seized power following widespread protests demanding the resignation of President Omar al-Bashir. The army, led by Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf, effectively toppled the government and disbanded the National Legislature. As a result, a three-month state of emergency was imposed across the nation.
On that fateful day in April, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Awad Ibn Auf removed Omar al-Bashir from office and dissolved both the cabinet and National Legislature in Sudan. A three-month state of emergency was declared with plans for a two-year transition period to follow. Lt. Gen. Auf assumed the role of Head of State and suspended Sudan’s constitution while enforcing a curfew from 10 pm to 4 am as an effort to quell ongoing protests within the country.
The Guinea Coup
In September 2021, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, commander of the Special forces, successfully ousted President Alpha Conde in Guinea. The ousting came a year after Conde had made changes to the constitution in order to extend his presidency beyond the term limits, which led to widespread protests.
As interim president, Doumbouya has pledged to facilitate a transition to democratic elections within three years. However, this timeline has been rejected by ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), who have imposed sanctions on members of the military junta and their family members, including freezing their bank accounts.
The military regime has proposed to initiate the 24-month transition period in January 2023. However, opposition parties argue that little progress has been made in establishing institutions and developing a roadmap for a return to constitutional rule.