The Ripple Effects of the Mali Coup: A Trend of Military Takeovers in West Africa
The military coup in Mali in 2020 has precipitated a wave of coups in West and Central Africa, undermining civilian governance and stability in the region. Following Mali’s takeover, at least ten additional coup attempts have been recorded, leading to increased violence and a shift in alliances from Western powers to Russia. The turmoil has exposed weaknesses in ECOWAS’s response to these developments, revealing a complex interplay of local and international factors driving the current crisis.
In the wake of the coup d’état in Mali on August 18, 2020, a significant trend of military takeovers has emerged in West and Central Africa, resulting in over ten recorded coup attempts since that time. This military coup in Mali, where a group of soldiers arrested the then-President Aboubakar Keita amidst widespread protests against his administration, marked a pivotal moment that ended nearly a decade of relative political stability in the region. The coup has had far-reaching implications, weakening the norm of civilian governance across the region, which had seen advancements prior to 2020. This trend can be seen as a throwback to the tumultuous periods of the 1980s and 1990s, characterized by frequent regime changes. Indeed, Dan Eizenga from the Africa Center for Strategic Studies remarked, “We largely saw civilian rule strengthening in Africa up until that moment, and I think that the Mali coup was a critical juncture in the weakening of that norm.” Following the initial coup, Colonel Assimi Goita took control and gradually extended military rule, pushing elections to 2027 after a series of internal power struggles. Notably, coups swiftly followed in Guinea, Burkina Faso, and most recently in Niger, each fueled by dissatisfaction with existing governments and the security crises stemming from violence by armed groups. In the case of Niger, the recent takeover involved the detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, amid a declaration of impending military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has faced criticism for its ineffective handling of the coups. The region has also seen a shift in alliances, with military governments increasingly turning away from France in favor of partnerships with Russian entities, including the Wagner Group. This transition has occurred amid rising popular sentiment against perceived neocolonial influences of France, leading to a dramatic reduction in the presence of Western troops in the Sahel. As the government forces, alongside foreign mercenaries, take on armed groups, the violence levels in the Sahel region have escalated to alarming heights, resulting in significant civilian casualties. While the militaries claim to be combating insurgents, the associated human rights violations have drawn condemnation from various human rights organizations and the United States. In this increasingly complex political landscape, the once unyielding influence of ECOWAS appears strained, as member states withdraw and forfeit traditional diplomatic channels, leaving the region in a state of instability and insecurity.
The article encapsulates the political upheaval that has transpired in West Africa following the Mali coup in 2020, exploring its implications on regional governance, security, and international relations. It highlights the sequence and consequences of military takeovers, civilian government failures, and the burgeoning influence of Russia as Western powers retract. Understanding these dynamics reveals not only a historical context of coups in Africa but also the contemporary socio-political challenges faced by the nations within this troubled region.
In summary, the coup in Mali has acted as a catalyst for a re-emergence of military takeovers in West Africa, challenging the progression of civilian governance. The ensuing series of coups in neighboring countries raises critical questions about regional stability, the efficacy of organizations like ECOWAS, and the broader implications of shifting alliances in international relations. The situation continues to evolve, warranting close observation of the security and humanitarian conditions within the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
