7 Africa Countries Under Military Rule

In recent years, there has been a wave of military coups in Africa, with seven countries currently under military rule.

This has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Africa as Coup leaders blame bad governance, corruption and lack of accountability of government officials for their actions.   While world bodies including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Africa Union the United Nations, UN have faulted military takeovers, the Juntas are unbending. In the recent coup led by Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema who was named as the President of the transitional government accused the ousted President, Ali Bongo of,

"irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos."

Bongo, whose family have ruled Gabon for 56 years was further accused of manipulating the electoral process and undermining the choices of the people in the just concluded August 26th general elections. Bad governance, corruption, and lack of accountability amongst others top the list, however, below are several other reasons why the military took over power from the civilian government:

To remove corrupt or incompetent leaders

For example, the military coup in Sudan in 2021 overthrew the transitional government that was leading the country to democracy after the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir in 2019. The military junta argued that the transitional government was not doing enough to address the country's economic and security problems.

To prevent the opposition from winning elections.

For example, the military coup in Guinea in 2021 overthrew the democratically elected government of President Alpha Condé. The military junta argued that Condé was rigging the elections in favour of his own party.

To protect its own interests

For example, the military coup in Chad in 2022 overthrew the democratically elected government of President Idriss Déby Itno. The military junta argued that Déby was planning to hand power to his son, which would have violated the constitution.

Having looked at the possible causes of coups, let's see the 7 African countries currently under military rule:

Chad:

[caption id="attachment_9039" align="aligncenter" width="1500"] Chad Military Head of State, Mahamat Dedy | Credit: Foreign Policy | Source: Google[/caption] The military took power in Chad in April 2021 after the death of President Idriss Déby. The head of the Transitional Military Council, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, is the son of the late president.

Guinea:

[caption id="attachment_9043" align="aligncenter" width="976"] Guinea Military Head of State, Col. Mamady Dumbouya | Credit: BBC| Source: Google[/caption] The military took power in Guinea in September 2021 after overthrowing President Alpha Condé. The head of the National Committee for the Restoration of Democracy and the Restoration of the State, Mamady Doumbouya, is a former special forces commander.

Mali:

[caption id="attachment_9044" align="aligncenter" width="976"] Mali Military Head of State, Asimi Goita | Credit: BBC | Source: Google[/caption] The military took power in Mali in August 2020 after overthrowing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. The head of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People, Assimi Goïta, is a former colonel.

Sudan:

[caption id="attachment_9049" align="aligncenter" width="927"] Sudan Top General, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan | Credit: BBC | Source: Google[/caption] The military took power in Sudan in October 2021 after ousting Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok. The head of the Sovereign Council, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, is a former general.

Burkina Faso: