In recent years, West Africa has seen a worrying surge in military coups, with Benin becoming the latest country to experience such an attempt. On a recent Sunday, soldiers briefly seized control of state television, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of government institutions. Within hours, however, authorities confirmed the coup had been thwarted, emphasizing the military’s continued commitment to the Republic.
a timeline of african coups since 2020
From disputed elections to constitutional crises and rising public discontent, the past few years have witnessed a wave of military takeovers across the continent. Below is a detailed overview of key events:
Mali: two coups in 2020 and 2021
The Mali crisis began in August 2020 when soldiers mutinied near Bamako, arresting senior officials and forcing President Ibrahim Keïta to resign amid widespread protests over corruption and insecurity. Colonel Assimi Goïta initially shared power with civilian leader Bah Ndaw, but in May 2021, Goïta staged another coup, removing Ndaw and extending the transition period to 2027. Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger now form a military-led alliance rejecting democratic transitions.
Chad: leadership transition in 2021
Following the death of President Idriss Déby in April 2021, his son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, seized power, continuing the family’s decades-long rule. After postponing elections, Déby won a contested vote in 2024 and has since intensified repression against dissent, including jailing opposition leader Succès Masra for 20 years.
Guinea: a shift in power in 2021
President Alpha Condé, in power for over a decade, was ousted in September 2021 by soldiers led by Mamady Doumbouya. Condé had controversially amended the constitution to run for a third term. Doumbouya, now a civilian candidate, has extended presidential terms and delayed elections.
Sudan: a coup that sparked prolonged conflict
In October 2021, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) overthrew President Omar al-Bashir, who had ruled for 26 years. After a brief power-sharing agreement, tensions erupted into full-scale war in April 2023, described by the UN as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Burkina Faso: double coup in 2022
Burkina Faso experienced back-to-back coups in January and September 2022. Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba ousted President Roch Kaboré in January, citing security failures. In September, Captain Ibrahim Traoré took over, accusing Damiba of similar shortcomings. Traoré has since dissolved electoral bodies and strengthened military rule.
Niger: a democratic setback in 2023
General Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023, ending Niger’s brief democratic experiment. The ECOWAS responded with threats of military intervention, but Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali formed the Alliance of Sahel States in opposition to regional intervention.
Gabon: a disputed election and takeover
After President Ali Bongo, in office for 14 years, claimed victory in a disputed 2023 election, soldiers announced a coup, nullifying the vote and dissolving state institutions. Brice Oligui Nguema, a relative of Bongo, assumed leadership and later won a presidential election in April.
Madagascar: protests and military intervention
In October 2025, public frustration over water shortages and power cuts led to protests against President Andry Rajoelina. Instead of resigning, Rajoelina dissolved his government, prompting a military takeover in the Indian Ocean nation.
Guinea-Bissau: election dispute turns violent
In November 2025, soldiers seized power days after a disputed presidential election. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló claimed victory, but opposition leader Fernando Dias disputed the results. Embaló fled to neighboring Senegal, while the junta appointed allies to key positions.
Benin: thwarted coup in December 2025
Just two weeks after the Guinea-Bissau coup, soldiers in Benin attempted a similar takeover, announcing the dissolution of state institutions and the overthrow of President Patrice Talon. The group, calling itself the Military Committee for Refoundation, named Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri as its leader. Authorities quickly reassured the public that the coup had failed and the military remained loyal to the Republic.
