Nigerian politician and human rights advocate, Shehu Sani, recently took to his verified Twitter account to raise a thought-provoking question about the prevalence of military coups in Africa, particularly in West Africa.
In his post, Sani pointed out that most of the military coups on the continent have occurred in West Africa, with significantly fewer in North, East, or Southern Africa. He urged people to reflect on the major reasons behind this regional disparity.
Sani’s observation comes in the wake of multiple coups in West Africa in recent years, including in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea. His tweet has sparked discussions among analysts and citizens, many of whom are questioning the deeper causes of instability in the region.
Experts argue that one key factor could be West Africa’s colonial legacy, which left behind fragile political systems. Countries in the region often gained independence suddenly in the mid-20th century, with weak institutions incapable of managing post-colonial power struggles, leading to frequent military takeovers. This stands in contrast to North African nations like Egypt and Tunisia, where stronger, centralized governments took hold early on.
Ethnic and political fragmentation in West Africa also plays a significant role, with deep divisions often resulting in exclusionary politics. When certain groups feel marginalized, it creates fertile ground for military interventions.
Economic instability is another crucial factor, with West African nations often grappling with poverty, unemployment, and corruption. In such environments, military leaders can easily justify coups as necessary to restore order.