Burkina Faso:
In Burkina Faso, military rule came into effect twice. The first instance was on August 4, 1983, when Captain Thomas Sankara led a coup d’état against President Jean-Baptiste Ouédraogo.
Sankara declared himself the President and implemented a Marxist-oriented government.
However, his rule was cut short when he was assassinated in another coup on October 15, 1987.
Blaise Compaoré, who was his close associate, took power and ruled until 2014 when he faced widespread protests due to his attempt to extend his 27-year rule. Following the protests, Compaoré was forced to step down.
Sudan:
Sudan had a history of military rule with multiple military coups occurring throughout the years.
The most recent military takeover happened on October 25, 2021, when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved the transitional government and declared a state of emergency.
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This move came after months of tensions between the military and the civilian-led transitional government, leading to widespread protests and a political crisis.
Niger:
Niger’s history has also seen periods of military rule. Most notably, in 2010, a military junta led by Salou Djibo overthrew President Mamadou Tandja, who had attempted to extend his rule beyond constitutional limits.
The junta ruled until 2011 when elections were held, and a civilian government was established.
Lately July this year, Mutinous soldiers Niger’sger last two weeks overthrew the democratically elected government of President Mohamed Bazoum, adding to a growing list of military regimes in West Africa’s Sahel region and raising fears of regional destabilization.
Chad:
Chad experienced military rule under various leaders. The most notable period was under Idriss Déby Itno, who came to power through a rebellion in 1990.
He ruled until his death in April 2021 when he was succeeded by his son, Mahamat Déby Itno. This succession occurred amidst widespread protests and a tense political situation.
Guinea:
In Guinea, military rule was established on September 5, 2021, when a group of military officers led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya announced the arrest of President Alpha Condé.
The military cited corruption and mismanagement as the reasons for the coup, and a transitional government was subsequently formed.
Mali:
Mali has a complex history of military rule, with several coups bringing military leaders to power. The most recent coup occurred on August 18, 2020, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta.
This followed an earlier coup in 2012 and ongoing political instability in the country.
Overall, the challenges faced by countries under military rule in Africa are multifaceted, including political instability, limited civil liberties, economic struggles, and social unrest.
These challenges hinder long-term development, disrupt democratic institutions, and often lead to adverse effects on the lives and well-being of the citizens.