Three Factors are Behind the Recent Wave of Coups in Africa
Over the past few years, observers of African politics have grown used to images of badly lit TV studios, filled with officers in camouflage uniforms declaring an imminent take-over of the state and the suspension of the constitution.
Since 2020, the African continent has seen a wave of military coups with nine successful coups and seven additional attempted coups. Three reasons for the current upsurge of coups stand out: the long histories of coups in the states in question; the military’s central standing in the states; and the current global power competition. In addition to these, coup leaders have watched and learnt from each other, and at times even collaborated. These factors have produced a climate that is conducive to coup plotters and have increased their chances of being successful.
This article was first published on the LSE website.
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