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News Analysis:Coup Plots Among African Countries, Causes, and Ways to Mitigate them

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6 months ago

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With Surge of military coups in the first quarter of the 21st century Nigerian Tracker’s Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa take a look at military coups in Africa and the causes.

Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Early morning on Sunday, December 7, 2025, news broke that a group of soldiers appeared on Benin’s state TV announcing the dissolution of the government in an apparent coup in the West Africa nation.

They announced the overthrow of President Patrice Talon, who has been in power since 2016, as well as all state institutions.

The troops referred to themselves as part of the “Military Committee for Refoundation” (CMR), and said on state television that they had met and decided that “Mr Patrice Talon is removed from office as president of the republic”.

Talon’s whereabouts were unknown.

The French Embassy said on X that “gunfire was reported at Camp Guezo” near the president’s official residence. It urged French citizens to remain indoors for security.

Talon was due to step down next year in April after 10 years in power.

However, the latest report from Cotonou said the National Guard has taken control of the situation and surrounded the television station. According to 24 Hours In Benin, discussions are underway with the mutineers, now holed up inside the station.
“The regular army is regaining control. The city and the country are completely secure,” the report says.

Precious Chukwuemeka Chidiebere

Precious Chukwuemeka Chidiebere

Nigerian Tracker News gathered that Benin Republic has been having records of coup plots since time immemorial.

The Republic of Benin (formerly known as Dahomey until 1975) has experienced a significant number of coup plots, both successful and attempted, particularly during its turbulent early decades of independence. It holds the notable distinction of having the highest number of successful coups in Africa during the 20th century for a single nation.

The first coup plot in that country occurred when President Hubert Maga (from the north) was overthrown in a bloodless coup led by Colonel Christophe Soglo. This was triggered by political deadlock, economic crisis, and widespread strikes and protests. Soglo cited the “incapacity of the political class” as the reason. This was in October, 1963.

The second coup happened after a brief return to civilian rule, the army, again led by General Christophe Soglo, seized power directly. He dissolved the contentious three-member Presidential Council (a triumvirate of Maga, Sourou-Migan Apithy, and Justin Ahomadégbé) and installed himself as head of state.

History has it that the Republic of Benin experienced a total of six coup plots.

However, since its democratic transition in 1990-1991, Benin has broken this cycle and has not experienced a traditional military coup for over three decades, despite facing modern political challenges, until the recent one that happened earlier December 7, 2025.

A View into Africa’s Record of Coup Plots

Since 1953, Africa has been the continent most affected by coup plots and military interventions. While the frequency and drivers have evolved, the fundamental issue of the military’s role in politics remains unresolved in many nations. The current surge in the Sahel represents a critical new phase, characterized by anti-colonial rhetoric, security-focused justifications, and shifting geopolitical alliances. This pattern suggests that, despite decades of democratic development efforts, the coup d’état remains a persistent feature of the African political landscape.

The continent has experienced significant political instability, with coups being a recurrent phenomenon.

Detailed Report of Coup Plots Among African Countries

While many African nations gained independence around 1960, this report draws its details from 1953, allowing the inclusion of pivotal early events in countries like Egypt and Sudan.

North African Countries

In Egypt, the Zehniyet plot in 1953 was an alleged conspiracy by the Muslim Brotherhood to assassinate President Gamal Abdel Nasser, leading to a massive crackdown. While not a classic military coup plot, it was a major internal power struggle.

In 1958, Sudan First Military Coup was led by General Ibrahim Abboud and some army officers. The coup was a bloodless takeover, beginning a cycle of military rule.

Likewise in Libya in 1969, the “Free Officers” movement, led by Captain Muammar Gaddafi, successfully overthrew King Idris I.

Again in Sudan in 1971, a failed Communist Coup which was brief, marked a bloody takeover by communist officers, but it was reversed by loyalist forces under Gaafar Nimeiry.

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Also, in Egypt around 1981, President Anwar Sadat was assassinated by Islamist officers within the military during a parade, a plot that aimed at regime change.

And in Algeria in 1991-1992, When the Islamist Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) won elections, the military intervened, canceling the results and precipitating a civil war. This is considered a “coup from above.”

There was also a record of coup plot in Sudan in 2019 in which the military overthrew long-time dictator, Omar al-Bashir, following mass protests, followed by a power-sharing agreement and later another coup in 2021.

West African Countries

The first post-independence coup in Africa, where soldiers assassinated President Sylvanus Olympio, happened in Togo in 1963.

In 1966, the first overthrow of a major Pan-African leader, Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana, happened while he was abroad.

In Nigeria, two successive coups in 1966 destabilized the nation, leading directly to the Biafran Civil War. Aside those mentioned, the country has had a couple of coup plots also.

Liberia’s 1980 Master Sergeant Samuel Doe’s violent coup marked the end of Americo-Liberian rule and began decades of turmoil.

Similarly in 1987, Burkina Faso Captain Blaise Compaoré seized power in a coup that killed his former comrade, the iconic Thomas Sankara.

In 2012, Mali recorded a coup plot by Captain Amadou Sanogo which created a power vacuum that allowed jihadist groups to seize the northern half of the country.

Furthermore, Guinea, in 2021 exprienced coup plot when special forces commander Colonel Mamady Doumbouya ousted President Alpha Condé.

Burkina Faso in 2022 had two coups (January & September), with Captain Ibrahim Traoré installed while citing failure to contain jihadist violence.

Niger also recorded coup in 2023 when the presidential guard deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, triggering a major regional crisis and the formation of the “Alliance of Sahel States” (AES) with Mali and Burkina Faso.

Central African Countries

Coup plots in these central african countries were reoccurring. The major countries below had these records:

Chad (1975, 1990, 2021): A pattern of violent takeovers: Hissène Habré (1982), Idriss Déby (1990), and the military takeover by Mahamat Déby after his father’s death in 2021 (a “dynastic coup”).

Burundi (1965, 1976, 1987, 1996, 2015): Recurring coups and attempted coups, often along ethnic lines (Hutu-Tutsi), culminating in a contested political coup attempt in 2015 during a presidential term-limit crisis.

East African Countries

Ethiopia had an attempted coup against Emperor Haile Selassie by the imperial
guard in 1960.

Also, Somalia experienced theirs in 1969 with the assassination of President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke which led to a military takeover by Siad Barre.

In Uganda, the famous Idi Amin coup ousted Milton Obote in 1975.

Again in 1974, the Derg committee in Ethiopia deposed Emperor Haile Selassie, ushering in a communist military junta.

Southern African Countries
Lesotho had several military interventions and coups (1991, 1994, 1998, 2014, 2022) within the constitutional monarchy of the nation.
Madagascar also had a handful of coup plots in 1975 and 2009 ushering in Didier Ratsiraka to power militarily; while in 2009, a popular uprising backed by the military installed Andry Rajoelina, considered a “soft coup.”

In Zimbabwe, the 2017 “military-assisted transition” referred to as a “soft coup”, forced long-time ruler Robert Mugabe to resign.

History shows that Benin holds the continental record for the most successful military takeovers in the post-colonial era between 1963-1972. While Sudan tops the chart for frequency of all kinds of coup activities–succesful or not.

What are the Key Drivers of Coup Plots in Africa?

Speaking with a political scientist, Precious Chukwuemeka Chidiebere, he highlighted that there are a lot of causes for the emergence of military coup among African countries, which includes poor governance, corruption, weak democratic institutions and lots more.

“Coup causes ranges from bad governance, leadership failure, weak democratic institutions, insecurity, external influence, and among many other factors,” he said.
“Talking about the corruption aspect, it was quite illustrative in the case of the former president of Mali, Ibrahim Keita, when he was accused of electoral fraud and poor governance. The military took over the government,” Mr. Chidiebere added.

He also emphasized on the fact that having democratic institutions that guide the government of our day is never enough, that the pertinent question should be “how strong are the democratic institutions?”
“Mostly in Africa, our democratic institutions are weak, even here in Nigeria. Rule of Law is not adhered to in Nigeria,” he asserted.
The political scientist categorically stated that the independence of each arms of government that should serve as a tool to embolden good governance is not realistic in Nigeria, and by extension, Africa.
“If you observe closely, there’s no active opposition in Nigeria, and so do many countries in Africa,” he stated.

Mr Chidiebere also discussed the importance of economic integration and planning aimed at leveraging the skills within citizens to liberate them from poverty. He said that economic hardship is also part of those factors that contribute or birth coup plot in most African countries.

Asking about ways to put an end to coup plots in Africa, the scientist recommended that governments in various African countries should strengthen democratic institutions.

“The opposition must not be suppressed. There should be room for criticism without crucification.”

He also added that corruption should be dealt with mercilessly without compromise or favour. And also, opportunities should be created for citizens to survive with. Mr. Chidiebere stressed that economic decisions should address the plights of the masses

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Alleged N2b Fraud:How Sirika Used Ethiopian Airlines as Fake Nigeria Air-Witness Tells Court

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8 hours ago

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June 11, 2026

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The 12th Prosecution Witness, PW12, Christopher Odofin, in the trial of the former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Abubakar Sirika, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, told Justice S.C. Oriji of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Abuja, how Sirika allegedly passed off an aircraft belonging to Ethiopian Airline as that of the promised Nigeria Air by the government of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The decoy aircraft, adorned with the livery of the promised Nigeria Air, found its way on the tarmac of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on May 27, 2023, being three days to the expiration of the tenure of the Buhari government and was flown back to Addis Ababa in the morning of May 29, 2023, being the handover date to the successor government.

Hadi Sirika is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on amended six-count, bordering on alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N2 billion, alongside his daughter, Fatima Hadi Sirika, son-in-law, Hamma Jalal Sule, and Al Buraq Global Investment Limited.

The contract for the setting up of Nigeria Air was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited, belonging to Gabriel Tilmann, a close associate and friend of the former minister.

Reading from a portion of contract agreement with Ethiopian Airline, the witness, an investigator with Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said “The aircraft will depart from Addis Ababa (ADD) late evening of May 26, 2023 for it to be positioned early morning of May 27, 2023 at the Abuja (ABV) airport. The aircraft will stay in ABV airport for static display of Nigeria Air livery until May 28, 2023. The aircraft will leave ABV airport early morning on May, 29, 2023. The chartered flight will be operated by the Ethiopian Airline crew in Ethiopian Airline uniform. The Federal Government of Nigeria and Nigeria Air may put together local models who will be in Nigeria Air uniforms to pose for ceremonial pictures. The models may come to Addis Ababa so they may fly with the chartered flight to ABV.”

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The witness told the court that the display of the aircraft in Abuja International Airport was deliberately planned to coincide with the end of the first defendant’s tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on May 29, 2023 and to pass the aircraft off as the actualization of his promise of the return of Nigeria Air. After the less than 72 hours display of the aircraft, he stated that the Nigeria Air logo was removed from the aircraft and flown back to Ethiopian Airlines in Addis Ababa.

The witness further disclosed that the investigating team was also able to ascertain that Ethiopian Airlines entered into a charter arrangement for the static display of the Nigeria Air livery for a duration of just three days, beginning from May 27 to May 29, 2023 based on information and documents received from the airline following a letter from it, dated June 12, 2023, in response to the EFCC’s request for information regarding Nigeria Air. And that though the purpose of the contract was for the establishment of Nigeria Air, the charter agreement with Ethiopian Airlines was entered on May 24, 2023, five days to the expiration of the defendant’s tenure for just a static display of the Nigeria Air logo on an aircraft.

All the documents tendered in evidence by the prosecution were shown to have been duly signed, authorized, and accompanied by certificates of identification and were not objected to by any of the counsels to the four defendants.

Among the exhibits is a compact disk containing a voice note from the first defendant, Hadi Sirika, marked Exhibit 37, which the prosecution counsel applied to be played in the court at the next adjourned date.

Further in his testimony, the witness told the court told that though the contract for the start-up of Nigeria Air, which was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited for over N299 million on April 4, 2022, saw a contract extension award to the company on October 17, 2022, to a sum, exceeding N599 million on the instructions and directives of the first defendant, based on his relationship with the company’s alter ego.

According to him “The investigating team arrived at this position when the phone of one Enitan Muyiwa Abel, who was a Permanent Secretary in the first defendant’s ministry was analysed, showing a voice note sent to the Permanent Secretary while the first defendant was in Spain instructing him to ensure that the contract was awarded to Tianaero Nigeria Limited.”

Justice Oriji adjourned the matter till June 17, 2026 for the continuation of the trial.

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Governor Abba Yusuf Assures Kano Pilgrims of Smooth Return as Airlift May Begin Before June 24

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11 hours ago

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June 11, 2026

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By Lamara Garba in Makkah

The Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has assured pilgrims from the state currently performing Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that adequate arrangements are being made to ensure a smooth, safe and hitch-free return to Nigeria.

Governor Yusuf gave the assurance while addressing Kano pilgrims in Makkah, where he commended them for their patience, discipline and exemplary conduct throughout the pilgrimage period.

The governor also urged the pilgrims to continue offering prayers for lasting peace, unity, tranquility and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, stressing that the nation is in need of divine guidance and stability.

According to him, prayers remain one of the most powerful tools for overcoming the social, economic and security challenges confronting the country.

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Speaking during the gathering, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim Matawalle, disclosed that the return airlift of Kano pilgrims is officially scheduled to commence on June 24.

However, he revealed that efforts are currently underway by the state government and relevant authorities to begin the evacuation exercise before the stipulated date if all logistical arrangements are concluded on time.

Matawalle explained that the board has finalized most of the necessary preparations to ensure an orderly and seamless return operation, noting that once the airlift begins, all Kano pilgrims are expected to be transported back to Nigeria within approximately three days.

He said flight schedules and operational plans have been carefully coordinated to avoid delays and ensure the comfort of pilgrims throughout the return journey from the Holy Land.

The Director General further commended officials, coordinators and welfare personnel deployed across the 44 local government areas of Kano State for their commitment and dedication, which he said contributed immensely to the successful conduct of this year’s Hajj exercise.

He also expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for his continued support and concern for the welfare of Kano pilgrims from the beginning of the pilgrimage to its concluding stages.

Matawalle prayed to Almighty Allah to accept the acts of worship performed by the pilgrims, reward their sacrifices and grant them a safe return to their families and communities in good health and peace.

The planned commencement of the return airlift marks the final phase of the 2026 Hajj exercise for Kano pilgrims, bringing to a close weeks of spiritual devotion and religious activities in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

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Hasheem Abdallah Wins ASUP BUPOLY Chairmanship Election

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11 hours ago

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June 11, 2026

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Comrade Hasheem Abdallah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic (BUPOLY), Hadejia Chapter, following a keenly contested election conducted on June 9, 2026.

 

The election, supervised by the ASUP Zone A Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed, saw Comrade Hasheem Abdallah secure a decisive victory with 62 votes, defeating his opponent, Comrade Nafisa Nasir Ma’aruf, who polled 30 votes.

 

Speaking after the exercise, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed commended members of the chapter for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic principles. He described the election as one of the freest, fairest, and most peaceful electoral exercises he had witnessed throughout his years of participation in ASUP struggles and leadership activities.

 

He noted that the orderly conduct of the election reflected the maturity, unity, and democratic culture of the BUPOLY Chapter and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly elected executives to advance the objectives of the Union.

 

Following the announcement of the results, the Chapter Electoral Committee (ELCOM) immediately administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives.

 

This immediate transition of leadership aligns perfectly with Article 8.08 (The Chapter Executive Council) and the statutory operational guidelines of Articles 14.03 and 14.04 of the ASUP Constitution, which provide for the seamless assumption of office by duly elected officials, safeguard the stability of the Chapter, preserve executive continuity, and ensure the prompt execution of the mandate freely given by Congress.

 

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Hasheem Abdallah expressed profound gratitude to members of the Union for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful, transparent, and inclusive leadership.

 

He assured members that his administration would work closely with all stakeholders to promote staff welfare, strengthen unity within the chapter, protect the rights and interests of members, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic.

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The newly elected Chairman further extended a hand of fellowship to all members, including those who supported other candidates, emphasizing that the election had ended and that the collective interest of the Union must now take precedence over individual differences.

 

The election marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for ASUP in Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, as members look forward to renewed commitment toward academic excellence, staff welfare, institutional development, and the advancement of the Union’s ideals.

 

 

 

Comrade Hasheem Abdallah has emerged as the newly elected Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic (BUPOLY), Hadejia Chapter, following a keenly contested election conducted on June 9, 2026.

 

The election, supervised by the ASUP Zone A Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed, saw Comrade Hasheem Abdallah secure a decisive victory with 62 votes, defeating his opponent, Comrade Nafisa Nasir Ma’aruf, who polled 30 votes.

 

Speaking after the exercise, Comrade Mohammed Mohammed commended members of the chapter for their peaceful conduct and commitment to democratic principles. He described the election as one of the freest, fairest, and most peaceful electoral exercises he had witnessed throughout his years of participation in ASUP struggles and leadership activities.

 

He noted that the orderly conduct of the election reflected the maturity, unity, and democratic culture of the BUPOLY Chapter and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly elected executives to advance the objectives of the Union.

 

Following the announcement of the results, the Chapter Electoral Committee (ELCOM) immediately administered the oath of office to the newly elected executives.

 

This immediate transition of leadership aligns perfectly with Article 8.08 (The Chapter Executive Council) and the statutory operational guidelines of Articles 14.03 and 14.04 of the ASUP Constitution, which provide for the seamless assumption of office by duly elected officials, safeguard the stability of the Chapter, preserve executive continuity, and ensure the prompt execution of the mandate freely given by Congress.

 

In his acceptance speech, Comrade Hasheem Abdallah expressed profound gratitude to members of the Union for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to provide purposeful, transparent, and inclusive leadership.

 

He assured members that his administration would work closely with all stakeholders to promote staff welfare, strengthen unity within the chapter, protect the rights and interests of members, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic.

 

The newly elected Chairman further extended a hand of fellowship to all members, including those who supported other candidates, emphasizing that the election had ended and that the collective interest of the Union must now take precedence over individual differences.

 

The election marks the beginning of a new leadership chapter for ASUP in Binyaminu Usman Polytechnic, as members look forward to renewed commitment toward academic excellence, staff welfare, institutional development, and the advancement of the Union’s ideals.

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