Since 2020, 8 coups have toppled governments in West/Central Africa. Why?
Root Causes
- French Neocolonialism Backlash – Anti-Paris sentiment fuels junta support.
- Jihadist Threats – Failed counterterrorism sparks army revolts.
Case Studies
- Niger (2023) – ECOWAS threats failed to reverse the coup.
- Gabon (2023) – Dynasty overthrow cheered locally.
International Responses
- Russia’s Wagner Group – Exploiting power vacuums.
- U.S. & EU Dilemmas – How to engage with juntas?
Future Risks
Will democratic transitions return, or is authoritarianism entrenched?