FENRAD decries resurgence of military coups on African continent

Stanley Ihedigbo

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD), Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over the alarming re-emergence of military coups and coup attempts across the African continent.

This trend represents a direct threat to democratic governance, political stability, human rights, and sustainable development.

According to the Executive Director of FENRAD, Com. Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, from West to Central Africa, several countries have, in the last three years, experienced successful military takeovers or failed coup attempts, signaling a widespread crisis in governance and public trust.

FENRAD noted with concern the following recent developments, successful Coups:
Niger (July 2023): President Mohamed Bazoum was removed by his presidential guard, marking a major setback for democratic governance in the Sahel.

Gabon (August 2023): Military officers seized power hours after disputed election results were announced.

Burkina Faso (January & September 2022): Two successive coups brought military rule amid worsening insecurity.

Guinea-Bissau (November 2025): Military forces deposed the president shortly after contested elections, dissolving state institutions.

Madagascar (October 2025): A military faction ousted the civilian leadership following nationwide protests over socio-economic hardship.

Failed or foiled coup attempts:
Democratic Republic of Congo (May 2024): Security forces successfully repelled an attempted coup targeting President Félix Tshisekedi.

Benin (December 7, 2025): A military faction appeared on national television announcing the dissolution of government institutions, but the attempt was suppressed within hours by loyalist forces.

Sierra Leone (November 2023): Security services quelled an attempted military insurrection targeting state institutions.

These incidents demonstrated a troubling pattern: democratic institutions across the continent are weakening, while socio-economic distress, insecurity, corruption, and political exclusion create fertile ground for unconstitutional power grabs.

FENRAD stressed that the surge in coups is not merely a military question but a governance problem.

In many cases, citizens lose confidence in democratic leaders due to poor or absent public service delivery, failure to fulfill campaign promises, and rising unemployment and poverty.

Other contributing factors include widespread corruption and mismanagement; weak, compromised, or politicized state institutions; security breakdowns and poor crisis response; and environmental neglect and resource mismanagement.

When governments fail to deliver the dividends of democracy, public trust erodes, and military opportunism becomes more likely.

FENRAD urged political office holders across Africa to examine and reform governance systems to restore public trust. Leaders must:

Strengthen democratic institutions and ensure the independence of the judiciary, legislature, and electoral bodies.

Improve public service delivery, ensuring citizens feel the impact of governance in their daily lives.

Fulfill campaign promises and uphold the social contract with the electorate. Tackle corruption and enhance transparency in public finance. Promote inclusive governance, ensuring no group feels marginalized or unrepresented.

Protect human rights and civic freedoms, the bedrock of stable democracies. Engage civil society and the public in nation-building and policy development.

FENRAD calls on ECOWAS, the African Union, and the international community to intensify efforts to defend constitutional order by enhancing early warning systems, strengthening sanctions for unconstitutional power seizures, supporting institutional reforms, prioritizing dialogue over militarized solutions, and assisting in electoral integrity and post-election stability.

As a civil society organization dedicated to democracy, environmental justice, and good governance, FENRAD affirmed its commitment to advocating for accountable leadership and strong democratic institutions.

FENRAD stands ready to partner with government bodies, civil society, and international stakeholders to restore and uphold democratic norms across Africa.