Exploring Military Coups in Africa and Their Historical Impact

By Darius Spearman (africanelements)

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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The rise of military rule in Africa reflects a historical pattern marked by coups.
Contemporary military regimes lack the long-term visions of past governments.
Economic crises and political instability contribute significantly to military interventions.
External influences, including mercenaries, exacerbate the power vacuum in the region.
The inability of regional organizations to address coups emboldens military leaders.
The resurgence of military rule undermines democratic progress across the continent.

The Return of Military Rule in Africa: A Look into History and Current Trends

Recently, there has been a rise in military takeovers in Africa, especially in West Africa. This concerning pattern reflects a shift towards military rule, where military goals and values shape political decisions. To understand the effects of this change, we need to look at history, study the features of these governments, and find out what causes their rise.

History of Military Rule in Africa

The current coups are part of a long-standing trend in Africa. Between 1956 and 2001, Africa saw about 80 successful coups, along with many attempts and plots (The Conversation). This period, following decolonization, led to many years of political chaos and military actions.

After colonial rule ended, military governments emerged, promising temporary governance. However, they often stayed for years, with leadership that was both weak and overly suspicious. Despite their duration, these regimes rarely delivered the promised stability and progress.

Features of Current Military Governments

Today’s military governments in Africa show both similarities and differences compared to the past. They still use force to stay in power. Yet, they lack the long-term goals that defined earlier military rulers (The Conversation).

For instance, in countries like Niger and Burkina Faso, the focus is on short-term objectives rather than long-term plans. This narrow approach raises doubts about how well they can tackle their countries’ challenges.

Though they promise to hand back power, these regimes seem reluctant to do so (The Conversation). As they strengthen their grip, there is a risk they might start creating grand military plans like before.

Reasons for the Rise of Military Rule

This return to military power can be linked to various factors, both historical and current.

Understanding Militarism and Custodial Rule

To grasp the resurgence of military rule, we need to understand the concepts of militarism and custodial rule. Militarism is the belief that a country should maintain a strong military and be ready to use it to defend or promote national interests (Wikipedia). This mindset places military power above other concerns, often emphasizing military values throughout society.

Custodial rule refers to situations where the military takes control of the government but allows some civilian institutions to continue operating. The military justifies this action by claiming to protect the nation or restore order (Wikipedia). Although the military holds power, it might not completely dismantle civilian government structures.

Understanding these concepts helps explain why military leaders in some African countries feel justified in taking control. They often claim to act in the nation’s best interest, but their rule can blur the lines between military objectives and civilian needs.

The Influence of External Actors and Private Military Companies

External forces play a significant role in the political landscape of Africa. Some nations have seen foreign military forces withdraw, creating power vacuums. Military juntas have taken advantage of these gaps (Wikipedia). Additionally, private military companies (PMCs), which are firms providing military services, have become more involved.

External actors, such as other countries or international organizations, can influence local conflicts through support or intervention. PMCs can complicate situations because they might not follow traditional chains of command. Their involvement can worsen conflicts and make it harder to achieve peace.

For example, the presence of Russia-funded mercenaries in the Sahel region adds complexity to an already unstable area (1914-1918 Online). These external influences can support military juntas, making it more difficult for civilian governments to regain control.

Impact on Civilians

Military rule often has serious consequences for the people living under it. Civilians may face restrictions on their rights, such as freedom of speech and assembly (Wikipedia). The military might suppress opposition, leading to a climate of fear.

Economically, military governments can mismanage resources. They may prioritize military spending over social programs, worsening poverty and inequality (Mershon Center). As a result, everyday people may struggle more to meet basic needs.

Human rights abuses are also a grave concern. Under military rule, there can be arbitrary arrests, torture, and other violations. These actions harm communities and can leave lasting scars on society.

The Role of the International Community

The international community can influence the outcomes of military coups. Organizations like the United Nations and the African Union may impose sanctions or provide support to encourage a return to civilian rule. However, the effectiveness of these actions varies (Wikipedia).

External countries may also have interests in the region. Their involvement can either help stabilize the situation or further complicate it. For instance, financial or military aid from other nations might support one side over the other, affecting the balance of power.

Coordinated efforts by the international community are essential to address the challenges posed by military rule. By supporting democratic institutions and promoting human rights, they can help foster a more stable environment.

Colonial Past and Anti-Colonial Feelings

The shadow of colonialism still affects African politics. Recent coups in places like Niger and Gabon were partly driven by anti-colonial feelings. Military leaders have used these sentiments to justify their actions and gain public support.

Economic Troubles and Political Issues

Economic problems and political unrest create an environment where military coups can happen. In many African countries, ongoing economic issues have led to decreased trust in civilian governments, providing opportunities for military leaders.

Outside Influences and Security Gaps

The departure of French and European troops from nations like Mali and Niger has left security gaps that military rulers have used to their advantage. These voids have been further complicated by private military firms and influences from outside forces like Russian mercenaries.

External forces have supported military governments, especially in the Sahel region, adding complexity to an already unstable political scene.

Regional Challenges

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has found it hard to stop coups. This difficulty is partly because of the lack of a strong regional plan on democracy and governance. Such situations have encouraged potential coup leaders.

Timeline of Recent Military Coups

• July 26, 2023: Niger saw a coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum.
• August 30, 2023: Gabon’s President Ali Bongo Ondimba was overthrown.
• 2020-2023: Coups occurred in West Africa, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.

This timeline shows the quick decline in democratic governance, stressing the need for effective strategies to counter these events.

Effects on African Democracy and Stability

The rise of military governments creates big challenges for democratic progress in Africa. It threatens achievements in civilian rule and may undo progress in political stability and economic development.

Moreover, the influence of external actors and the use of anti-colonial sentiments make it harder to bring back democratic governance. These elements create a tangled web of interests that can extend military rule and slow down shifts back to civilian power.

The Path Forward: Governance in Africa

As Africa faces this rise in military rule, the international community needs to stay alert. Learning from the history and features of military governments is key to predicting changes and creating effective responses.

The current coups are a critical moment for African democracy. It requires renewed efforts to strengthen democratic institutions, tackle economic problems, and boost regional cooperation. Through dedicated efforts, the continent can aim to prevent military interventions and work towards a more stable and prosperous future for its people.

FAQ

Q: What is the current trend regarding military rule in Africa?
A: There has been a troubling resurgence of military coups, particularly in West Africa, marking a return to militarism in governance.

Q: What historical context supports this trend?
A: The recent coups are part of a long-standing pattern of militarism in Africa, with approximately 80 successful coups, 108 failed attempts, and 139 plots recorded between 1956 and 2001.

Q: What characterizes contemporary military regimes in Africa?
A: Today’s military regimes share similarities with previous ones but are more focused on short-term goals without comprehensive long-term visions and continue to rely on force for control.

Q: What factors contribute to the rise of military rule?
A: Factors include the legacy of colonialism, economic crises leading to public distrust in civilian governments, and security vacuums exploited by military juntas after the withdrawal of foreign troops.

Q: How have regional organizations responded to this trend?
A: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has struggled to effectively deter coups due to a lack of robust frameworks on democracy and governance.

Q: What are the implications of military rule for African democracy?
A: Military rule undermines democratic institutions and threatens the progress made towards civilian governance, complicating efforts to restore democracy.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.