Since Mali’s military coup in August 2020, over ten coup attempts have occurred in West and Central Africa, marking a significant decline in political stability that has drawn criticism toward regional organizations like ECOWAS. Countries including Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger have experienced shifts toward military rule, often accompanied by growing anti-French sentiment and increased reliance on Russian military support, compounding issues of violence and governance in the region.
The coup d’état in Mali that occurred in August 2020 sparked a wave of military interventions and political unrest across West and Central Africa. Following the overthrow of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita by a group of Malian soldiers, Mali transitioned from a period of relative political stability to one marked by an alarming increase in coup attempts throughout the region. This trend has led to significant changes in political power dynamics and the rise of anti-French sentiment among the military governments that have emerged in the wake of these upheavals. In the aftermath of the Malian coup, Colonel Assimi Goita, one of the leading figures in the takeover, maneuvered to consolidate power, ultimately declaring himself president and extending military rule. This set a precedent that reverberated through neighboring countries. For instance, Guinea’s President Alpha Conde was ousted in September 2021 when dissatisfaction over constitutional amendments led to a coup. Burkina Faso experienced two military takeovers within a year due to heightened insecurity, culminating in the recent overthrow of Captain Ibrahim Traore’s government. Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was detained in July 2023, reflecting growing instability, while Gabon’s President Ali Bongo was deposed shortly thereafter. The frequency of coup attempts—over ten documented since August 2020—has been a significant regression from the previous decade’s trend towards the strengthening of democratic governance. This has raised concerns about the efficacy of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has grappled with the resurgence of military rule, often criticized for not responding forcefully enough to deter such actions. The popular support for military takeovers has been fueled by a broad anti-French sentiment. Several coups have been characterized by the new regimes severing ties with France and looking to Russia for military assistance, particularly through private military contractors such as Wagner. This shift signals a dramatic change in international relationships and has contributed to heightened violence, with significant increases in casualties reported in affected regions, especially in Burkina Faso. The decline in the region’s security and political stability underscores the complex interplay between the actions of military regimes, the response from regional organizations, and the socio-political context that has allowed such upheavals to occur. Analysts continue to question whether the current trajectory represents a disruptive trend in West African governance that will persist or eventually stabilize in favor of democratic practices.
The region of West and Central Africa has experienced a troubling resurgence in military coups since a pivotal coup in Mali in August 2020. This event marked a significant turning point after nearly a decade of improving political stability in the area. The August coup was followed by an increase in similar military takeovers in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, reflecting a broader wave of instability that has raised alarms among international observers and regional bodies alike. The backdrop to these coups often includes public disillusionment with civilian governments, especially concerning issues of security and corruption, coupled with rising nationalist sentiments against former colonial powers, particularly France. The influence of external actors like Russia has further complicated the geopolitical landscape in the region, leading to a reevaluation of security and diplomatic strategies by the new military regimes.
In conclusion, the coup in Mali has indeed initiated a trend that has significantly altered the political landscape of West Africa, leading to a proliferation of military takeovers and a growing anti-colonial sentiment directed against former powers like France. This upheaval has drawn scrutiny on the effectiveness of ECOWAS and raised concerns about the future of governance in the region, as military regimes increasingly turn to Russia for support amidst escalating violence and instability. The implications of this trend extend beyond immediate governance issues, potentially affecting international relations and security dynamics within and outside the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
