Coup and Countercoup in Africa: Remote Causes and Implications (Part 1)

Geographic distribution of coup attempts (total per country) in Africa, 2020–2022. Source: Colpus dataset, updated by corresponding author through December 2022. S in parentheses denotes a successful coup and F denotes a failed coup attempt.

In recent years, Africa, the cradle of humanity, has been plagued by a recurring cycle of coups and countercoups. This undermines the continent's quest for stability and development. The recent spate of military takeovers and counter-revolts in various African countries has raised concerns about the root causes and far-reaching implications of this phenomenon. At the heart of the matter lies the legacy of colonialism, with artificially created states and boundaries, often ignoring ethnic and linguistic divisions. This has led to a web of rivalries, tensions, and power struggles and thereby creating an environment conducive to coups and countercoups.

The Cold War era further exacerbated the situation, as foreign powers fueled conflicts and supported rival factions to advance their geopolitical interests. Unarguably, Africa's post-independence era has been marked by a struggle for true liberation. Infact, many countries grapple with the challenges of nation-building and economic development. However, this process has been hindered by corrupt and authoritarian leadership which has led to widespread discontent and disillusionment. The military, often seen as a symbol of national pride and strength, has frequently been drawn into the political fray, sometimes with disastrous consequences.

Some of the remote causes of coups and countercoups in Africa can be succinctly highlighted as follow:

- Political instability and weak institutions

- Economic inequality and poverty

- Ethnic and religious tensions

- External interference and neocolonialism

- Military adventurism and personal ambition

When coups and countercoups happen in Africa, they have serious implications that affect many aspects of life. To begin with, democracy and good governance suffer. Coups undermine the rule of law, and leaders often become dictators who suppress opposition and violate human rights. This creates a culture of fear and repression, making it difficult for citizens to speak out or hold their leaders accountable.

Again, economic development is hindered. Coups create uncertainty which scares off investors and make it hard for businesses to thrive. This leads to poverty, unemployment, and a lack of basic services like healthcare and education. In addition to that, human suffering increases. Coups often lead to violence, displacement, and human rights abuses. Innocent civilians are caught in the middle, forced to flee their homes, and live in refugee camps.

Regional security is also compromised. Coups can sometimes spill over into neighbouring countries, creating regional instability and allowing extremist groups to flourish.

In short, coups and countercoups in Africa have far-reaching and devastating implications that affect democracy, economic development, human well-being, and regional security. It is important to address the root causes and work towards sustainable solutions for peace and stability.