By Francis Assam

Africa has witnessed the reemergence of military rule in recent years. This has reignited the debate about the continent’s democratic trajectory. Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and Gabon have had their military deposed elected leaders and presented themselves as the corrective force to years of corruption, misrule, and neglect. Interestingly, the  coups have huge public supports, especially in nations where democratic institutions have failed to deliver, changing the old narratives where coups were met with local resistance and outrage. This leads us to an unsettling question: Is Africa choosing coups over corruption?

The Rise of Coups: A Pattern Reemerges

Between 2020 and 2023, Africa experienced at least seven successful coups and several attempted ones. Countries like Mali, Chad, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Niger have all seen their governments overthrown by their own armed forces. This sharp increase is a dramatic shift from the previous two decades, where democratic norms, though fragile, seemed to be taking root across the continent.

A closer look at these countries reveals commonalities: rampant corruption, electoral manipulation, decaying infrastructure, growing insecurity, and a disconnect between the political elites and the populace. In Mali and Burkina Faso, for instance, citizens were grappling with jihadist violence, poor governance, and a loss of trust in elected officials. When soldiers seized power, many civilians celebrated, not because they yearned for authoritarian rule, but because they felt abandoned by democracy.

Corruption: The Silent Killer of Democracy

At the heart of this coup resurgence lies a deep frustration with corruption. In many African states, corruption is not merely a flaw of the system, it is the system itself. Public funds are looted, elections are rigged, and political appointments are made based on patronage rather than merit. Citizens watch helplessly as their leaders enrich themselves while hospitals lack medicine, schools crumble, and essential infrastructure remains grossly underdeveloped.

For instance, in Guinea,  President Alpha Condé controversially changed the constitution to secure a third term, sparking widespread protests. The military’s intervention in 2021 was met with applause from segments of the population who had grown weary of Condé’s increasingly authoritarian rule. In Sudan, what began as protests against rising fuel and bread prices evolved into mass demonstrations against a deeply corrupt regime, eventually culminating in the ousting of Omar al-Bashir after decades in power.

In some other African countries where military coups have not occurred, democracy has nonetheless been militarized. Leaders have manipulated constitutions to cling to power, undermining democratic norms and institutions. In Rwanda, Cameroon, and more recently Côte d’Ivoire, we have witnessed constitutional amendments or legal loopholes being exploited to extend presidential terms. In the case of Côte d’Ivoire, President Alassane Ouattara, originally expected to serve only two terms, controversially pursued a third and is seeking re-election for a fourth term. This has sparked unrest and raising concerns about democratic backsliding.

When citizens rise in protest against such democratic infractions, they are often met with brutal state repression. Security forces respond with excessive force, leading to injuries and, in many cases, death. This pattern of silencing dissents reinforces the perception that democratic institutions are not responsive to the people’s will.

These events suggest that for many Africans, the core problem is not with the idea of democracy itself, but with how it has been distorted in practice. Leaders who manipulate electoral systems, enrich themselves at the public’s expense, and violently suppress opposition are undermining the very foundations of democratic governance. In doing so, they create fertile ground for military opportunists who exploit popular frustration to seize power.

Military as Saviors or Strategic Opportunists?

Military juntas often claim they are responding to the will of the people. They cite the failures of civilian governments and promise to restore order, root out corruption, and eventually return the country to civilian rule. In the immediate aftermath of a coup, these promises may resonate with citizens who feel betrayed by elected leaders.

However, history warns us that military regimes rarely fulfil their pledges. They may begin with anti-corruption rhetoric and patriotic fervour, but over time, they often replicate the very vices they claimed to oppose. Power corrupts, and without the checks and balances inherent in a democratic system, junta leaders can become entrenched, repressive, and self-serving.

In some cases, like Burkina Faso under Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the military has portrayed itself as anti-colonial, resisting foreign interference, particularly from France. This populist rhetoric resonates with citizens frustrated by external meddling. Burkina Faso has embarked on widespread reforms aimed at economic self-reliance, industrial growth, social welfare, and national identity. Projects span from gold and agriculture to energy, infrastructure, and justice.

Between a Rock and a Hard Place: The People’s Dilemma

Why are coups being welcomed in places where democracy should be cherished? The answer lies in the desperation of ordinary people. When elections are rigged, courts are compromised, and corruption is institutionalized, people feel cornered. In such an environment, a coup can appear less as a threat and more as a lifeline.

This dilemma is particularly stark for Africa’s youth, who make up over 60% of the population. Many young people are unemployed, undereducated, and politically disillusioned. For them, democracy has not delivered jobs, justice, or dignity. As a result, some are willing to give military rulers a chance, not out of love for uniforms, but from a yearning for change.

Yet this acceptance comes with risks. Military regimes are rarely accountable, and their stay in power can delay genuine reforms. The danger is that Africa moves from one form of bad governance to another, perpetuating a cycle of instability.

What Next? Rethinking Governance in Africa

The current wave of coups should serve as a wake-up call, not just for African leaders, but for the international community and civil society. The question is not whether Africans are choosing coups over corruption, but why they feel they must make that choice at all.

First, democratic institutions must be strengthened. Electoral commissions should be independent, courts must be impartial, and media must be free. Political leaders need to be held accountable, not only during elections but throughout their terms.

Second, regional bodies like ECOWAS and the African Union must act consistently. Condemning coups while tolerating corrupt civilian regimes sends mixed signals. A principled stand against all forms of poor governance, military or civilian, is crucial.

Third, youth engagement must be prioritized. The continent’s future lies in its young people, and they must be given a stake in political and economic life. Education, employment, and political participation are essential pillars of long-term stability.

Conclusion

So, is Africa choosing coups over corruption? In truth, many Africans are choosing survival over despair. Faced with corrupt and unaccountable governments, some see military intervention as the only available option. But coups are not cures, they are symptoms. The real battle is not between soldiers and civilians, but between accountability and impunity.

Africa does not need more strongmen. It needs stronger institutions, transparent governance, and a citizenry empowered to demand better. The time has come to stop choosing between two evils and start building systems where no such choice is necessary.