The Surge of Military Coups in Africa: A Deep Dive into Recent Events

Africa's political landscape has seen a significant shift in recent years, with eight countries experiencing military takeovers since 2020. Nations such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Chad, Sudan, Gabon, and Madagascar have all witnessed elected governments ousted by military forces. The Sahel region has become the epicenter of this trend, with military leaders citing escalating jihadist violence, economic collapse, and dissatisfaction with civilian governance as justifications for their actions. The most recent upheaval occurred in Madagascar on October 14, 2025, when Colonel Michael Randrianirina led a coup against President Andry Rajoelina amid widespread protests over power failures, inflation, and corruption.

Africa’s coup belt widens as 8 countries fall to military rule in just four yearsMadagascar coup leader Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president after Rajoelina’s ousterMadagascar’s coup leader is sworn in as president after military takeover – National Security NewsRussian mercenaries replace Western forces as ISIS surges across Africa’s Sahel regionDaily Mail

In Madagascar, protests began in late September 2025, driven by youth discontent over chronic electricity and water shortages, as well as high unemployment. The protests escalated when elite military units joined demonstrators, leading to Rajoelina's flight from the country. Following his departure, the military suspended the constitution and installed Randrianirina as interim president, a move ratified by the High Constitutional Court. The African Union swiftly condemned the coup, suspending Madagascar from its institutions and calling for a return to civilian rule.

Madagascar’s coup leader is sworn in as president after military takeover – National Security NewsMadagascar coup leader Michael Randrianirina sworn in as president after Rajoelina’s ousterDaily MailProtests and coups in Madagascar and the missing decolonial voiceAfrica’s coup belt widens as 8 countries fall to military rule in just four yearsReuters

The proliferation of coups in Africa is reshaping diplomatic and economic relationships across the continent. Military juntas in the Sahel have increasingly turned to new alliances with countries like Russia, Turkey, and China, distancing themselves from traditional Western partners. This shift is particularly evident in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, where Western military forces have been expelled, leading to a spike in jihadist violence. The Global Terrorism Index reported that 3,885 deaths from terrorism occurred in the Sahel in 2024, accounting for 51% of global terrorism-related fatalities.

Russian mercenaries replace Western forces as ISIS surges across Africa’s Sahel regionAfrica’s coup belt widens as 8 countries fall to military rule in just four yearsMadagascar’s coup leader is sworn in as president after military takeover – National Security NewsTop Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President Tinubu

Critics of the military takeovers argue that these actions undermine democratic institutions and exacerbate instability. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray acknowledged the bloc's struggle to address the challenges posed by terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government. Meanwhile, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the military interventions, labeling them a betrayal of national duties. Despite these criticisms, both ECOWAS and the AU have struggled to reassert authority in the face of growing anti-Western sentiment and the emergence of new regional alliances.

Africa’s coup belt widens as 8 countries fall to military rule in just four years

In Nigeria, allegations surfaced regarding a coup plot against President Bola Tinubu, leading to the arrest of at least 16 military officers. The Defence Headquarters denied any coup-related activities, attributing the arrests to disciplinary issues. However, sources within the military suggested that the officers were indeed involved in planning a coup, raising concerns about discontent within the armed forces. Civil society groups and legal experts have condemned any attempts to derail Nigeria's democratic system, emphasizing the importance of maintaining civilian governance.

Top Military Officers Arrested Over Alleged Coup Plot To Overthrow President TinubuDaily TrustAfrica’s coup belt widens as 8 countries fall to military rule in just four years

Africa stands at a critical juncture, with a youthful population and urbanization presenting opportunities for renewal. However, the persistence of military takeovers threatens to reverse democratic gains and erode public confidence in political systems. The recent events in Madagascar and the ongoing turmoil in the Sahel highlight the urgent need for effective governance and the addressing of underlying grievances to prevent further instability across the continent.

Africa’s coup belt widens as 8 countries fall to military rule in just four years