Coups in Africa: how democratic failings help shape military takeovers – study

Coups in Africa: how democratic failings help shape military takeovers – study

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea and Gabon have all suffered regime change in the last five years, led by men in military uniform. Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau experienced the same fate in 2025. Benin looked to join the list in early December, but the civilian government held onto power – just. The academic literature on coups in Africa has highlighted a wide range of influences and triggers. These include: personal and institutional rifts wit…