The Tug-of-War for Africa’s Resources: Unpacking the Role of Coups
Unveiling the intricate web of resource extraction, human rights, and political instability in Africa’s recent coups.
By Darius Spearman (africanelements)
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 also the author of various books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890.
Introduction
A wave of coups has swept across Africa, leaving many to wonder: what’s fueling this surge? The answer, it turns out, lies beneath the soil: resource extraction. From oil to diamonds, the continent’s natural wealth has become both a blessing and a curse.
The Geopolitical Landscape
From Gabon to Sudan, coups have become a recurring headline. But the international community seems more focused on restoring “constitutional order” than addressing the root causes. The West’s involvement often comes with strings attached, usually in the form of resource extraction contracts.
| Country | Resource | Year of Coup |
|---|---|---|
| Gabon | Oil | 2019 |
| Sudan | Gold | 2019 |
| Mali | Gold | 2020 |
Resource Extraction: The Underlying Issue
Resource extraction isn’t just about minerals and oil; it’s about power dynamics and systemic exploitation. These economies are often built on the backs of their own people, creating a cycle that mirrors an internal colony.
Chart: Top 5 Extracted Resources in Africa
- Oil
- Gold
- Diamonds
- Uranium
- Copper
Source: World Bank
The Human Cost
Rural communities bear the brunt of this exploitation. Their lands are seized, and their rights trampled, all in the name of economic progress. This grim reality echoes the harsh conditions once faced by enslaved individuals in the Deep South.
The Role of ECOWAS
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has made strides in promoting stability. However, their efforts often fall short when it comes to genuine political transformation.
| Country | Intervention | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Mali | Sanctions | Ongoing |
| Guinea | Mediation | Failed |
| Niger | Diplomacy | Success |
The Domino Effect
The instability doesn’t stop at national borders; it ripples through the continent. This cascade of events can even influence sectors as specific as medical research, given the continent’s history of exploitation in this field.
Conclusion
Addressing the root causes of these coups requires a multi-faceted approach. It’s not just about political stability; it’s about social justice, economic equity, and true freedom.
