Coup d'État in Africa: Military Takeover and Political Turmoil in Africa

Military coups have been a major obstacle to democracy and development in Africa for decades. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of coups, with countries such as Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Sudan all experiencing military takeovers.

This book examines the causes, consequences, and prevention of military coups in Africa. It argues that coups are a complex phenomenon with multiple causes, but that three key factors are often present:

Weak political institutions: Countries with weak political institutions, such as a lack of separation of powers or an independent judiciary, are more vulnerable to coups.
Economic decline: Economic decline can lead to popular discontent and provide an opportunity for the military to intervene.
Ethnic or religious divisions: Countries with deep ethnic or religious divisions are more likely to experience coups, as the military can be used to suppress dissent or to seize power in the name of a particular group.
The book also examines the consequences of military coups. Coups can have a devastating impact on a country's political stability, economic development, and human rights. They can also lead to civil wars and other forms of violence.

This book concludes by discussing the challenges of preventing military coups. No single solution, but a combination of measures, such as strengthening political institutions, promoting economic development, and reducing ethnic and religious divisions, can help to reduce the risk of coups.

This book "Coup d'État in Africa is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the causes, consequences, and prevention of military coups in Africa. It is also a timely book, as the continent has experienced a recent resurgence in coups.