mmegi

Africa and the epidemic of military coups

Military Coups un Africa PIC: WWW.e-ir.info
Military Coups un Africa PIC: WWW.e-ir.info

The military coup that toppled Colonel Damiba by Captain Ibrahim Traore in Burkina Faso this past week is a shocking reminder to the people of this continent that the threat of military coups is now rearing its ugly head in a brutal fashion.

Burkina Faso is one example of a fragile state in Africa that has gone through many successful coups (nine in total) and the success of last week’s coup is the second in a space of eight months.

In fact Burkina Faso has never experienced a democratic transfer of power between 1960 and 2015. Christian Kabore, who was ousted in 2022, was the only leader who was democratically elected by the populace in 2015.

Editor's Comment
‘Fake’ drugs: A matter of life, truth and accountability

When claims of such gravity are made, especially by a sitting Assistant Minister they cannot be brushed aside, delayed, or treated as routine political noise. Even the Ombudsman has confirmed receipt of a report from a political party and a review of these complaints is now underway. That is a necessary first step. But it is only the beginning. The seriousness of the allegations demands urgency, transparency and clarity. The public is entitled to...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up