Military coups in africa since 2020: a timeline of political instability
In recent years, West Africa has witnessed a troubling surge in military coups, reshaping the political landscape across the continent. Since 2020, several nations have experienced abrupt transfers of power, often driven by discontent over governance, security crises, and constitutional disputes. The latest incident in Benin follows this pattern, underscoring the fragility of democratic institutions in the region.
A group of soldiers seized control of Benin‘s state television on Sunday, declaring the overthrow of President Patrice Talon and the dissolution of the government. The attempted coup lasted several hours before authorities confirmed it had been thwarted. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou later stated that the mutineers had launched a rebellion to destabilize the state, emphasizing that the army remains “committed to the Republic.”
The following timeline highlights major political takeovers across Africa since 2020, revealing a pattern of instability and civilian unrest:
Mali: two coups in under a year
Mali has endured two successful military takeovers in recent years. In August 2020, soldiers arrested high-ranking officials near Bamako following mass protests against then-President Ibrahim Keïta, who was accused of corruption and failing to address insurgencies. A transitional government was formed, with Colonel Assimi Goïta serving as vice president under civilian leader Bah Ndaw.
However, Goïta staged a second coup in May 2021, removing Ndaw and postponing elections until 2027. Mali, alongside Burkina Faso and Niger, has since formed an alliance of military-led nations rejecting democratic transitions.
Chad: a dynasty’s grip on power
After the death of President Idriss Déby in April 2021, his son Mahamat Déby quickly assumed control, extending his family’s decades-long rule. Three years later, he declared victory in a disputed election, prompting accusations of fraud. Opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Succès Masra, have faced harsh repression, including a 20-year prison sentence.
Guinea: a decade ends in a coup
President Alpha Condé, who ruled for 11 years, was ousted in September 2021 by soldiers led by Mamady Doumbouya. Condé had controversially amended the constitution to secure a third term. Doumbouya now seeks to transition from military rule, though a recent referendum extended presidential terms to seven years, raising concerns about prolonged military governance.
Sudan: a fragile power-sharing deal collapses
In October 2021, Sudanese General Abdel-Fattah Burhan overthrew longtime leader Omar al-Bashir and later shared power with Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemetti), leader of the Rapid Support Forces. Their alliance fractured in April 2023, sparking a devastating conflict that continues to ravage the country.
Burkina Faso: back-to-back takeovers
Burkina Faso has experienced two coups in less than a year. In January 2022, soldiers removed President Roch Kaboré, citing security failures. By September, Captain Ibrahim Traoré seized power from the new leader, Paul-Henri Damiba, citing the same grievances. Traoré has since dissolved the electoral commission, further delaying democratic processes.
Niger: a democratic experiment cut short
In July 2023, General Abdourahamane Tchiani overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, ending Niger’s brief democratic experiment. The coup sparked regional tensions, with the ECOWAS threatening military intervention. Niger later aligned with Burkina Faso and Mali to form the Alliance of Sahel States, rejecting ECOWAS’s demands.
Gabon: a dynasty’s abrupt end
Following disputed elections in August 2023, soldiers in Gabon declared the annulment of the vote and the dissolution of state institutions. Brice Oligui Nguema, a cousin of outgoing President Ali Bongo, assumed power and later won a presidential election in April.
Madagascar: protests turn into a coup
Frustration over chronic water shortages and power outages led to mass protests in October 2025, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. Instead of stepping down, Rajoelina dissolved the government, sparking a military takeover in the Indian Ocean nation.
Guinea-Bissau: an election dispute escalates
In November 2025, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau seized power following a contested presidential election. The coup, allegedly staged to prevent the incumbent’s defeat, saw President Umaro Sissoco Embaló flee to neighboring Senegal, while the new junta installed allies of the deposed leader.
Benin: a thwarted mutiny
Less than two weeks after the Guinea-Bissau coup, soldiers in Benin attempted a similar takeover, storming the presidential palace. The self-proclaimed Military Committee for Rebuilding declared President Patrice Talon deposed and named Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Tigri as its leader. Authorities later confirmed the coup had been foiled, with the military reaffirming its allegiance to the state.
