The Impact of Military Coups on the Democratic Path in the African Continent after 2020

Authors

  • Lecturer .Azhar Mahmoud Suleiman Mahmoud Al-Ajili College of Science - Tikrit University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I3.Y2026.p.326-351.390

Keywords:

Military Coups, Democracy, Africa, Democratic Transition, Political Stability, Sahel Region.

Abstract

This research examines the impact of military coups on the democratic trajectory in the African continent after 2020, in light of the increasing wave of military coups in several West African and Sahel countries, such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, and the accompanying decline in indicators of democratic transformation and political stability. The study aims to analyze the political, economic, and security factors that contributed to the return of military coups and to identify their effects on democratic institutions, public freedoms, and economic and security stability in Africa. The research adopted the descriptive-analytical approach, in addition to the case study method, through analyzing models of military coups that occurred in some African countries after 2020. The study found that weak political institutions, widespread corruption, worsening economic crises, and the rise of security threats and armed groups are among the main factors that contributed to the increasing military intervention in governance. The study also revealed that military coups led to the suspension of constitutions and elected institutions, the decline of public freedoms and human rights, as well as the deepening of economic and security crises and the decline of public confidence in democratic systems. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that the continuation of military coups constitutes a direct threat to the future of democracy and political stability in Africa. The study concluded that limiting the phenomenon of military coups requires strengthening constitutional institutions, consolidating the principle of peaceful transfer of power, reforming military institutions, supporting civil society and the media, in addition to activating the role of the African Union and international organizations in protecting democratic systems and supporting political stability and development across the African continent.

References

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Published

2026-09-01

How to Cite

The Impact of Military Coups on the Democratic Path in the African Continent after 2020. (2026). Ashur Journal of Legal and Political Sciences Is Issued by the Iraqi Association of Legal Sciences, 3(3), 326-351. https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I3.Y2026.p.326-351.390

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