Before the one underway in Gabon on Wednesday, Africa had seen seven coups since August 2020.
1. Niger
The military declared the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023. General Abdourahamane Tiani takes over as the country’s new strongman.
On August 10, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stated its intention to deploy a regional force to “restore constitutional order,” while remaining committed to the diplomatic way.
The military envisions a transition time of “three years” at most before handing up authority to civilians.
2. Burkina Faso: two putsches in 8 months
President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was deposed by the military on January 24, 2022, and Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was installed in February.
On September 30, Damiba was fired by the military, and Captain Ibrahim Traoré was appointed as interim president until a presidential election in July 2024.
3. Sudan
On October 25, 2021, soldiers commanded by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane forced away the transitional civilian authorities who were supposed to guide the country towards democracy after Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year tyranny, which he toppled in 2019.
Since April 15, 2023, at least 5,000 people have been slain in the country as a result of a power struggle between General Burhane and his former subordinate Mohamed Hamdane Daglo.
4. Guinea
A military coup deposed President Alpha Condé on September 5, 2021. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya took office as president on October 1.
The military has vowed that the position will be returned to elected civilians by the end of 2024.
5. Mali: two coups in 9 months
On August 18, 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was overthrown by the military, a transitional government was formed in October.
But on May 24, 2021, the military arrested the president and the Prime Minister. Colonel Assimi Goïta was inaugurated in June as transitional president.
The junta has committed to returning the place to civilians after the elections scheduled for February 2024.