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Africa: A Continent Cursed By The Cancerous Calamity Of Coup

Published

3 years ago

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By Bala Ibrahim.

According to history, the 1963 Togolese coup d’état was the first military incursion that occurred in West Africa, and by extension, the first coup of the continent. Since then, to paraphrase the saying of late Professor Ali Mazrui, the records of coup across the continent, read like the telephone directory of the Organization of African Union, OAU. And those countries that lie to the west of the equator, are the most afflicted by the calamity of the coup cancer.

The western part of the African continent is occupied by the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo.

Nigeria, the richest and most populous of them all, had it’s first coup on the 15th of January 1966, when mutinous soldiers, led by Nzeogwu Kaduna, killed many people, including the Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, senior politicians and many senior Army officers, thereby rewriting the political and social history of Nigeria as a country.

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The Togolese and Nigerian coups, that came about the same time with the arrival of independence to the continent, seem to coincide with the coming of the coup calamity, that kept reverberating across the continent like a cancer. The excuse given by the military then, was that they were coming to correct the mis-governance, occasioned by the misconduct of politicians, whom they accused of engaging in consumptive corruption.

Though the military mostly help to midwife a transition to democratically elected governments, in almost all cases, they only succeed in changing the nomenclature of the problem, from corruption by men and women in civilian clothes, to corruption perpetuated by men and women in uniform. And they sow the seed for new agitations after their departure, especially as in the case of Nigeria, the agitation for the creation of more states, which is almost an impossibility under democracy.

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Since 1999, Nigeria has been enjoying stability in democratic governance, with no reported coup attempts or visible threats from the military, but looking at the trend of events in recent times across the continent, no concerned person can claim to be comfortable with what is happening.

The continent is facing the rise in the wind of the misfortune of coups, and the breeze is blowing faster in West Africa. For the third time in less than six months, violence is compelling the transfer of power in some countries of West Africa, starting with Guinea, Mali, Chad and Burkino Faso, seeing the arrival of new leaders, almost all of them from their respective militaries.

Pursuant to the democratic stability enjoyed by Nigeria, and by virtue of its position as the regional powerhouse of the continent, there was a strong feeling that the days of military coups in Africa were over, because Nigeria has been extremely active diplomatically against coups, supported by the West African regional bloc, the ECOWAS, which is always quick in imposing sanctions until the cowboys reverse their unpopular stance.

But things are changing, and changing rapidly. And the military is engaging a new strategy for ousting democracy- doubtful legitimacy. In Guinea, Mali, and Chad, heads of state removed from office were accused of enjoying dubious legitimacy. In Guinea for instance, President Alpha Condé had been elected to a third term in elections that were not accepted as credible. In Chad, Idriss Derby had been virtually sitting as a president for life. He was killed by rebels, and replaced by his son in an extra-constitutional process.

In Mali, the problem dates back to the 2012 coup against Amadou Touré, the long-time political strongman of the country. In June, the present Malian President, Assimi Goïta, removed the country’s interim head of state, less than a year after Goïta initiated a coup against President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita and installed himself as interim vice president.

About a week ago, precisely on the 23rd of January, 2022, gunfire erupted in front of the presidential residence in the Burkinabé capital, Ouagadougou, as well as several military barracks around the city. Shortly after, it was confirmed that soldiers have seized control of the military base in the capital and taken in the president as hostage. A coup had taken place.

The immediate reason given by the military for the coup was the alleged “inability of President Roch Kabore’s government to stem an Islamic militant insurgency”, which has been ravaging the country for some years now. According to the military, they were not given enough resources to combat the insurgents. So by taking over power, they are simply saying, they would take the money they want directly from the treasury to do whatever they want. Poor Africa, what obscenity is being committed against you, by way of coup in the name of correction.

Although the chief of Defense Staff, Gen.Lucky Irabor, has recently reassured Nigeria and Nigerians that, the military would continue to subject itself to democratic rule, the government must take note of the new lexicon introduced by the military in Burkino Faso, i.e. “INABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT TO STEM AN ISLAMIC MILITANT INSURGENCY” and act proactively, considering the fact that Nigeria had been in such insurgency for decades, and spent an unaccountable amount of money fighting same.

The curse and calamity of the coup cancer must be curtailed quickly, and not allowed to continue creeping the continent, under the guise of any claim of correction.

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International

Donald Trump Breaks Over 130 Year History, Stages Comeback Like Grover Cleveland

Published

2 weeks ago

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November 6, 2024

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Abbas Yushau Yusuf

With America’s history of democracy begining from 1789 with George Washington as the pioneer US President ,American politics is now 225 years with some Presidents assassinated while others are defeated in an election .

For example after succeeding Richard Nixon due to wateralgate scandal President Gerald Ford did not win election into the White House in 1976 but was defeated by Jimmy Carter while Jimmy Carter could not get reelected in in 1989 and was defeated by Ronald Reagan,the same with George Herbert Bush who could also not secure reelection in 1992 but was defeated by Governor of Arkansas Mr Bill Clinton .

There are were also other American Presidents who were assasinted like Abraham lincoln after the American civil war of 1846 and President John Kennedy who was also assassinated in 1961.

Now the most unique in American politics was the issue of its former President Grover Cleveland who is the first American President to serve two non consecutive terms in office ,between 1885 to 1889 and between 1893 to 1897 serving as the 22nd and 24th President of the United States .

Grover Cleveland staged a comeback in 1893 by defeating his old rival President Benjamin Harrison who only served one term as America’s 23rd President since then over 130 years ,President Trump who was defeated by Democrats Joe Biden in 2020 has now won the 2024 elections and to serve as the 45th and 47th President of the United States like Cleveland who was the only American President that carry that medal but now jinxed by Donald Trump

 

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International

Trump, Harris Secure Votes as First Results Emerge in U.S. Presidential Election

Published

2 weeks ago

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November 5, 2024

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The first results in the U.S. presidential election have emerged, with Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump tied at three votes each.

The early count comes from Dixville Notch, New Hampshire, a small town with just six voters.

Dixville Notch is famous for its tradition of being the first to finish in-person voting, a practice that began in 1960.

Voting reportedly began right at midnight. Meanwhile, votes were counted, and results were announced just 15 minutes later.

Harris, the Democratic candidate, and Trump, a Republican, have been close in the polls leading up to election day.

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International

ActionAid Nigeria Commemorates International Peace Day with Cultural Festivities

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2 months ago

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September 26, 2024

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By Naziru Idris Ya’u

Celebrating Peace: ActionAid Nigeria/Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative Commemorates International Peace Day with Cultural Festivities

On a radiant day marked by vibrant cultural displays, ActionAid Nigeria/Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative commemorated the International Day of Peace with an event that brought together communities in a celebration of harmony and resilience.

The Peace Fiesta, held in honor of this significant occasion, showcased various cultural troupes that performed traditional dances, songs, and skits, emphasizing the theme of unity amid diversity.

Speaking at the occasion, Andrew Amebu, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, articulated the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive development and sustainable peace in communities. “Today, we celebrate not just peace, but the ideals of brotherhood and the importance of understanding across cultures and nations,” she stated. “This event is a reminder that our shared commitment to peace is groundbreaking for the futures we want to create.”

Over the past 20 months, ActionAid Nigeria has made significant inroads into building community resilience against violent extremism. The organization recently provided livelihood equipment worth 100 million Naira (approximately 71,428.5 USD) to 600 youth and women across Kano and Kaduna States. These beneficiaries, trained in seven different vocational skills, are a vital part of the organization’s effort to promote socio-economic stability and discourage violent extremism.

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Hajiya Dankabo highlighted that over 15,000 direct beneficiaries have been engaged in sensitization programs, cultivating a culture that values peaceful coexistence and embraces diversity. The ripple effect of these programs is evident in the increasingly harmonious interactions within these communities.

Partnering with the Dispute Resolution and Development Initiative (DRDI), the event also featured novelty football matches aimed at improving peace and social cohesion among community members. “Sports have emerged as a vital tool for unifying people, transcending differences, and creating a peaceful environment,” remarked the Executive Director of DRDI, Dr. Mustapha Muhammad Yahaya, who noted that such initiatives are crucial for strengthening communal ties.

International Peace Day, observed annually, is a global call to action that encourages individuals and communities to prioritize peace above all differences. The day resonates deeply with the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), both of which are instrumental in fostering a harmonious world.

This year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” served as an impetus for ActionAid Nigeria to mobilize communities against ethnicism, discrimination, and intolerance. Supported by the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF) in collaboration with Global Peace Development, the organization has been implementing the System and Structure Strengthening Approach Against Radicalisation to Violence Extremism (SARVE III) project. This initiative has resulted in the establishment of 24 women’s safe spaces along with Peace Clubs and Local Conflict Management Alliances aimed at enhancing early warning capabilities for conflict and promoting peacebuilding efforts.

The cultural extravaganza at the event was a fitting highlight, demonstrating how art and tradition can symbolize and signify the ideals of peace and stability in communities. Each performance served as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that binds communities, encouraging them to embrace their differences as a source of strength rather than division.

As the sun set on the event, the atmosphere lingered with hope and the promise of ongoing efforts toward building resilient, peaceful communities throughout Nigeria. ActionAid’s initiatives reflect a broader commitment to weaving peace into the fabric of society—an endeavor that requires continuous collaboration, engagement, and education for lasting impact.

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