The Rise of Military Rule in Africa
Military coups have become increasingly prevalent across Africa, with a notable surge in recent years. The pattern began in Guinea in September 2021, where Mamady Doumbouya led a coup against President Alpha Condé. This was followed by a series of military takeovers in Chad, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, highlighting a troubling trend of military leaders consolidating power rather than transitioning to civilian rule.
Transitional Governments and Their Challenges
The military regimes currently in power exhibit a reluctance to restore civilian governance. In Mali, the transitional military council has proposed extending its rule from two to five years, a sentiment echoed in Burkina Faso where the transitional president, Ibrahim Traoré, has also sought to prolong his term. Similarly, Niger's transitional president, Omar Abdel Rahman Tiani, has set a three-year transitional period, indicating a broader trend among military leaders prioritizing security and stability over elections.
Sovereignty as a Justification for Military Rule
A common theme among these military regimes is the emphasis on 'sovereignty' as a justification for their extended rule. Leaders have initiated various measures to gain public trust, such as renaming streets and establishing national days dedicated to sovereignty. Additionally, many military councils are drafting new constitutions that legitimize their power while reducing foreign influence, particularly from France. However, the long-term viability of these regimes remains uncertain, as they grapple with ongoing structural crises that have persisted under both military and civilian leadership.
