Africa has experienced seven coups since August 2020, before the one underway on Wednesday in Gabon.
- Niger
The military said on July 26, 2023, that President Mohamed Bazoum had been deposed. General Abdourahamane Tiani takes over as the nation’s new strongman.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) declared on August 10 that it would send a regional force to “restore constitutional order” while still favouring diplomatic means of resolving the issue.
The military suggests a maximum transition period of “three years” before handing back authority to civilians.
- Burkina Faso: two putsches in 8 months
President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was overthrown by the military on January 24, 2022, and Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba took office in February.
Captain Ibrahim Traoré was appointed interim president until a presidential election set for July 2024 on September 30, the same day Damiba was also relieved of his duties by the military.
- Sudan
At least 5,000 people have been slain throughout the nation since April 15, 2023, as a result of a war sparked by a power struggle between General Burhane and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdane Daglo.
After Omar al-Bashir’s 30-year dictatorship, which he himself overthrew in 2019, soldiers under the command of General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane forced away the transitional civilian leaders on October 25, 2021.
- Guinea
President Alpha Condé was toppled by a military coup on September 5, 2021. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya took office as president on October 1.
By the end of 2024, the military has committed to hand back control to elected civilians.
- Mali: two coups in 9 months
President Ibrahim Boubacar Keta was deposed by the military on August 18, 2020, and a transitional administration was established in October.
However, on May 24, 2021, the president and prime minister were taken into custody by the military. In June, Colonel Assimi Gota took office as interim leader.
After the elections slated for February 2024, the junta has promised to hand back control to civilians.
