West Africa has witnessed numerous military coup d’état, bringing several leaders to power who ruled for varying periods.
- Military coups in West Africa have raised concerns about democratic stability
- Notable examples of leaders who came to power through military coups include Idi Amin, Jerry Rawlings, and Ibrahim Babangida
- Some leaders, like Jerry Rawlings, facilitated a smooth transition to civilian rule after seizing power through coups
In recent years, the West African region has seen a resurgence of military coup d’état, particularly in Mali and Burkina Faso, raising concerns about democratic stability.
From General Ibrahim Babangida to Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings, these military leaders, in their prime, acted in what they believed to be the best interests of their nations.
However, many coup plotters who seized power also became long-serving presidents who had to be forcefully removed through military coups.
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Beyond West Africa, notable examples include Mobutu Sese Seko, who seized power in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) through a 1965 coup, overthrowing Joseph Kasavubu and sidelining Patrice Lumumba.
He ruled for over 30 years before being ousted in 1997 by Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s rebellion, leading to his exile.
Similarly, Idi Amin took power in Uganda through a 1971 coup, overthrowing President Milton Obote. His rule, marked by brutality, lasted until 1979, when he was deposed by a military intervention supported by Tanzanian forces, forcing him into exile.
In contrast, leaders like Jerry Rawlings seized power but later facilitated a smooth transition to civilian rule.
Ibrahim Babangida, while introducing some reforms in Nigeria, remains controversial due to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, elections, widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest.
Despite his recent explanations in his autobiography, the decision continues to be a defining aspect of his legacy.
Here is a summary of notable leaders from the West African region that got into power via military coups
Ghana
Jerry John Rawlings (1979, 1981–2001) He led coups in 1979 and 1981 and ruled as a military leader before transitioning Ghana to democracy and serving as president until 2001.
Nigeria
Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993): Overthrew Muhammadu Buhari in 1985, introduced economic reforms but annulled the 1993 elections, leading to a political crisis.
Sani Abacha (1993–1998): Seized power in 1993, ruled with an iron fist, suppressing opposition before dying in office in 1998.
Burkina Faso
Thomas Sankara (1983–1987): Took power in 1983, and implemented progressive reforms before being assassinated in a 1987 coup.
Blaise Compaoré (1987–2014): Overthrew Sankara, ruled for 27 years before being ousted by a popular uprising in 2014.
Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba seized power in Burkina Faso through a January 2022 coup, ousting President Roch Kaboré.
However, he was overthrown in September 2022 by his colleague, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Ibrahim Traoré (2022–present): Took power after a second coup in 2022, making him Africa’s youngest leader.
Togo
Gnassingbé Eyadéma (1967–2005): Came to power in 1967 after a coup and ruled for 38 years until his death.
Mali
Moussa Traoré (1968–1991): Seized power in 1968, ruled for over two decades before being overthrown.
Amadou Toumani Touré became Mali’s leader in 1991 after leading a coup that ousted President Moussa Traoré.
He later transitioned Mali to democracy but was overthrown in 2012 during a coup led by Captain Amadou Sanogo.
Assimi Goïta (2020–present): Led coups in 2020 and 2021, currently serving as interim president.
Liberia
Samuel Doe (1980–1990): Led a coup in 1980, becoming Liberia’s first indigenous leader, before being overthrown and killed in 1990.
Sierra Leone
Valentine Strasser became president at 25 through a 1992 military coup that overthrew President Joseph Momoh.
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In 1996, he was ousted in another coup led by his deputy, Julius Maada Bio who is the current president of Sierra Leone.
Other Notable Figures
Paul-Henri Damiba (Burkina Faso, 2022): Briefly held power before being overthrown by Ibrahim Traoré.
Although this list is not exhaustive, it profiles some prominent figures who led or took over governments after successful coups d’état.
Since 2020, nine successful coups have occurred in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, raising significant concerns about political stability and governance in Africa.
