Recent years have witnessed a troubling resurgence of military coups across the African continent, posing significant challenges to democratic governance. Since 2020, Africa has experienced a series of military coups that have reshaped political landscapes and raised concerns about the continent's democratic trajectory. Countries such as Mali, Chad, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon have all faced military coups, with some experiencing multiple coups (e.g., Mali in August 2020 and May 2021; Burkina Faso in January 2022 and September 2022). These events reflect deep-seated issues such as economic hardship, corruption, security challenges, and political instability.
In francophone countries like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, anti-imperialist protests, particularly anti-France sentiments, have risen, leading these countries to sever diplomatic relations with France in favor of Russia. In many instances, the population has welcomed these coups, showing significant support for the military regimes, often perceived as saviors. This panel seeks to address critical concerns and discuss the role of military authorities in democracy. Key questions include:
- Are military coups a way out of autocratic regimes and a path towards democracy?
- Can military coups be considered an expression of democracy?
- Can military interventions ever be justified as a means to correct democratic deficiencies?
- What are the implications of military coups on the future of democracy in Africa?
This session aims to understand the underlying causes, immediate impacts, and long-term consequences of military interventions in African politics and democracy. We welcome papers that discuss international geopolitical dynamics and economic pressures in shaping the political landscape of African nations. We also invite submissions that delve into the socio-political and economic conditions precipitating military coups, examining whether these upheavals are responses to genuine governance failures or power struggles masked by the rhetoric of reform.
The panel will also consider the resilience of democratic movements and civil society in the face of authoritarian setbacks. We seek papers that assess varying outcomes and the potential for democratic recovery. This includes a focus on strategies for strengthening democratic institutions, fostering political inclusivity, and enhancing civic engagement to mitigate the risk of future coups.