Coups are back in Africa: what are we missing?

2023-09-14

Military coups are again a worrying feature of Africa’s political landscape. Seven have taken place in just over three years, with the most recent in Gabon and Niger. Worrying dynamics also follow these takeovers. Putschists from Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea for example, have supported Niger’s coup leaders in resisting regional and continental responses.

The African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States have condemned coups, but their blanket and economic sanctions have proven ineffective. Their inconsistent approach to coups and other unconstitutional changes of government is also troubling.

Simultaneous English-French interpretation will be provided for this event.

Moderator: Dr Andrews Atta-Asamoah, Head, African Peace and Security Governance, ISS Addis Ababa

Panelists:

• Amb Jainaba Jagne, Ambassador of The Gambia to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the AU
• Dr Jide Okeke, Regional Programme Coordinator for Africa, UNDP
• Festus B Aboagye (Rtd), Independent Consultant on Peace and Security Issues
• Colonel Hassane Kone, Senior Consultant, ISS Office for West Africa, the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin