The coup d’état in Mali in August 2020 marked the beginning of a troubling trend of military takeovers in West and Central Africa, resulting in more than ten coup attempts in subsequent years. Key incidents include coups in Guinea and Burkina Faso, as well as continued instability in Niger and Gabon. This wave of coups has coincided with a deterioration of public confidence in civilian governments and a pivot towards Russian support, raising concerns over human rights and regional stability. The response of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has come under criticism for its failure to deter this trend, suggesting the need for a reevaluation of strategies to promote democratic governance in the region.
In August 2020, Mali experienced a military coup when soldiers seized the capital, Bamako, ousting President Aboubakar Keita. The coup was precipitated by growing public discontent over Keita’s government, which faced accusations of corruption and failure to resolve an armed rebellion in northern Mali linked to extremist groups. Following the coup, Colonel Assimi Goita was named vice president in a transitional government, but he later maneuvered to consolidate power by deposing civilian leadership, effectively extending military rule within the country. Mali’s coup marked a significant shift in West Africa, initiating a trend of political upheaval across the region. Since then, several countries have experienced similar military takeovers, including Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Between August 2020 and 2024, at least ten coup attempts have occurred, indicating a resurgence of military influence reminiscent of earlier decades marked by instability and rebellion following independence. Countries like Guinea witnessed their longstanding leaders ousted amidst widespread protests against attempts to extend their rule. Burkina Faso, facing severe security threats, saw both its president and his successor overthrown in quick succession, revealing the fragility of governance in the wake of Mali’s initial coup. The latest coup attempts in Niger and Gabon only further illustrate the trend. Additionally, these recent coups possess another dimension, as increased anti-French sentiments have led to military governments seeking support from Russia, particularly through entities like the Wagner Group. This geopolitical shift raises concerns regarding human rights violations perpetrated by these forces against civilian populations during armed conflicts within the region. The role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in managing the crisis has come under scrutiny. Experts argue that the organization’s failure to decisively respond to Mali’s coup emboldened other military leaders to initiate similar actions without fear of repercussions. Consequently, the region now finds itself facing a complex landscape characterized by military rule, violent extremism, and an ambiguous international response.
Mali’s coup in August 2020 catalyzed a resurgence of military takeovers across West and Central Africa, disrupting a period of relative democratic stability that had lasted since 2012. The coup not only led to the ousting of President Keita but also sparked a series of governmental collapses in neighboring countries, reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s upheavals experienced in Africa. Key factors include rising public dissatisfaction with civilian governance, rampant corruption, insecurity from armed groups, and increasing dissatisfaction with past colonial powers, particularly France. The dynamic of these coups signals a significant regression in the norms surrounding democratic governance in the region, prompting considerable unrest, human rights concerns, and a shift towards alternate international alliances, notably with Russia.
The political landscape in West Africa has been profoundly altered since Mali’s coup in August 2020, with a cascade of similar military takeovers indicating a troubling trend. As nations like Burkina Faso and Niger grapple with their respective leadership crises, the region’s stability is increasingly jeopardized by rising violence and the involvement of foreign powers. ECOWAS’s perceived ineffectiveness in managing these conflicts and protecting democratic principles invites further scrutiny and highlights the urgent need for a coherent response to stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
