The August 2020 coup in Mali triggered a wave of military takeovers in West and Central Africa, resulting in over ten coup attempts, a stark departure from years of stability. Colonel Assimi Goita’s takeover marked the beginning of political instability, with neighboring countries like Guinea and Burkina Faso also witnessing coups spurred by security crises. This trend highlights a deterioration of democratic norms, as the region grapples with rising violence and shifting alliances, notably toward Russia, amid waning French influence.
In the wake of the August 2020 coup in Mali, the region has witnessed a significant surge in military takeovers, with more than ten coup attempts reported in Central and West Africa. The event marked a dramatic departure from the preceding years of relative political stability experienced in Mali. Prior to this insurgency, nine years elapsed without military intervention, a historical anomaly for a region often characterized by such upheavals. The coup deposed President Aboubakar Keita, who faced immense public discontent over corruption and the government’s inability to manage an armed rebellion in the north that was linked to extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. The military promises to eradicate these threats were welcomed by many citizens who celebrated the soldiers’ actions. In the immediate aftermath, Colonel Assimi Goita, the coup leader, ascended to the role of vice president within a transitional government shared with civilian President Bah Ndaw. However, power struggles commenced almost immediately, leading to Goita’s declaration of himself as president after arresting Ndaw in May 2021. Despite promises of a swift return to civilian rule, Goita has continued to extend military governance, recently pushing elections to 2027. The Malian coup served as a harbinger for subsequent military takeovers in neighboring nations, including Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as civilian governments crumbled under pressure from security crises exacerbated by ongoing armed conflicts within their borders. In Guinea, President Alpha Conde was ousted in September 2021 due to widespread domestic discontent, followed by military interventions in Burkina Faso and Niger as insecurity deepened. These developments reflect a disintegration of democratic norms across West Africa, reversing years of civilian governance advancements. Analysts posit that the rapid succession of coups and the declining influence of regional bodies like ECOWAS indicate a broader trend toward military rule. ECOWAS’s response has been criticized as weak and inconsistent, failing to deter potential coup leaders. As dissatisfaction with traditional colonial powers such as France rises, the new military leadership in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has sought alliances with Russia for military support, further complicating the security landscape in the region. While this shift has garnered enthusiasm among those disillusioned by Western engagements, it has also expedited violence and insecurity, with a troubling correlation between military rule and increased civilian casualties due to harsh governance measures.
The events surrounding the 2020 coup in Mali signify a pivotal moment in West African politics. Following a period of profound civil unrest and dissatisfaction with then-President Aboubakar Keita’s administration, particularly regarding corruption and governance failures, a military faction intervened to destabilize the existing order. Their actions initiated a series of coups throughout West and Central Africa, reflecting historical cycles of military intervention in response to perceived governmental inadequacies. These developments have reignited old frustrations with colonial legacies in the region and prompted military regimes to leverage nationalist sentiments to justify aligning with foreign powers like Russia, as the long-standing influence of France diminishes.
In conclusion, the Malian coup of 2020 catalyzed a regional shift towards military governance in West Africa, resulting in a troubling pattern of coups and a retreat from democratic stability. This trend, marked by increasing violence and the erosion of civil rights, has major implications for the broader political landscape, challenging existing structures of governance and international alliances. As regional tensions mount, particularly surrounding external influences and rising local grievances, the possibility for continued upheaval remains prominent. The role of ECOWAS, in particular, is under scrutiny as it grapples with its effectiveness in addressing the crises sparked by these military uprisings.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
