Whereas many countries globally are rapidly transforming through good leadership, patriotic citizens and technological advancement, the political situation in African countries is becoming precarious and concerning.
Africa especially sub-Saharan countries has often been marked by political instability and turmoil. The continent has experienced numerous instances of coups, civil wars, and uprisings over the years. Unfortunately, the current political climate in Africa appears to be treading on dangerous grounds, with the possibility of uprisings, civil wars, and coups de’tat becoming more likely.
Evidence
According to a report by Amnesty International, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the terrible legacy of deliberately divisive and destructive policies that have perpetuated inequality, discrimination, and oppression across Sub-Saharan Africa. The report highlights conflicts between states and armed groups and attacks on civilians continuing or escalating in most parts of the region. Conflicts between states and armed groups and attacks on civilians have continued or escalated in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Southern Africa, the long-simmering violent tensions in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province intensified into full-blown armed conflict. The Horn of Africa region saw an outbreak of conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. Islamist militant groups across Sub-Saharan Africa are likely to further expand their reach in 2022, making new inroads towards the Gulf of Guinea and in East Africa.
A report by Control Risks outlines ten key issues to watch in Africa in the year ahead. The economic toll of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to be felt, with inflation and additional attempts at taxation likely to trigger cost-of-living protests. Tight elections will capture governments’ attention in three regional powerhouses, Nigeria, Kenya, and Angola. On the other hand, military leaders in four countries will seek to avoid elections to extend their transition regimes. Islamist militant groups across Sub-Saharan Africa are likely to further expand their reach in 2022, making new inroads towards the Gulf of Guinea and in East Africa.
Following the military take-over last Wednesday in Gabon, Cameroon President, Paul Biya on Wednesday also announced some major changes to the nation’s defence ministry of the country.
The Threats Breakdown in West Africa
According to a report by DW, Sub-Saharan Africa experienced a spate of military takeovers in 2021, highlighting the precarious state of democracy on the continent. Upon the death of Chad’s President Idriss Deby in April, the military installed his son as interim president in what has been called a “dynastic coup.”
In Mali, the military booted out the transitional civilian government in May and has yet to finalize a date for promised elections. Guinea’s military overthrew President Alpha Conde in September, with coup leader Colonel Mamady Doumbouya being sworn in as president for an unspecified transitional period. Armed forces in Sudan kicked out civilian leaders from a power-sharing agreement and declared a state of emergency in October
In recent news, a military coup thrust the Central African nation of Gabon into turmoil on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, unseating the president (Bongo Ali) just after being elected as president on August 26, this year – whose family had held power for more than half a century – and raising questions about what comes next for the oil-rich country.
Uprising, Civil War and Coup D’etat
Uprisings are common in Africa, driven by popular discontent and frustration with the government. Protests, demonstrations, and public unrest have been seen in many African countries, such as Cameroon, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. These protests have often been met with a heavy-handed response from law enforcement, leading to violence, arrests, and even deaths.
Civil wars have also rocked several African countries, with devastating consequences. The civil wars in Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Angola have killed millions of people and displaced millions more. Even in countries without a full-blown civil war, the threat of conflict is real and ever-present. In Ethiopia, for example, there is a growing tension between the central government and the country’s ethnic groups, which may lead to civil unrest.
Coups are another major threat to Africa’s political stability. While they may not be as common as uprisings or civil wars, they can have significant consequences. They often result in the establishment of authoritarian regimes and the subversion of democracy. Recent coups in Mali, Guinea, and Chad have shaken the continent and raised concerns about the future of democracy in Africa.
The Causes
Despite some causes that have been noted above, the root cause of Africa’s political instability is complex and often multifaceted. They are often driven by poverty, corruption, ethnic tensions, and a lack of access to resources and opportunities. In many cases, African leaders have failed to address these underlying issues, leading to growing discontent among the population.
Fixation
The international community has a critical role to play in addressing the challenges facing Africa’s political stability. African countries need support in developing strong institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and ensuring the participation of all citizens in the political process. Individuals in various countries in Africa must contribute to the development of the continent. Leaders must be willing to create a significant change
The pandemic is exacerbating a decline of democracy across sub-Saharan Africa. To combat the trend, should the United States and other partners should commit to the painstaking work of bolstering democratic institutions? Is the constitutional coup also a threat to the entrenchment of democracy? I leave these questions to everyone.
Africa’s political climate is becoming more volatile, with the possibility of uprisings, civil wars, and coups de’tat increasing. These threats underscore the urgent need for African leaders to address the underlying issues driving political instability and for the international community to provide the necessary support to promote democracy, human rights, and good governance in Africa. Failure to do so could have devastating consequences for the continent and its people.
Mensah Maxwell – mensahm1815@gmail.com
