Africa In Turmoil: Complete List Of Countries Hit By Coups In The Last Five Years

A reported coup attempt in the Benin Republic on Sunday has once again highlighted Africa’s ongoing struggle with military takeovers, adding to a growing list of incidents that have fueled political instability across the continent.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

While the soldiers claimed to have removed President Patrice Talon from office, his administration confirmed that he remained secure and that loyal forces were actively working to restore order.

This episode reflects a troubling pattern of military interventions in the region, many of which have resulted in extended periods of de facto military rule. Below is an updated overview of confirmed coups across Africa over the past five years:

Mali
In August 2020, a group of five army colonels overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, marking the start of Mali’s slide into prolonged military governance. In May 2021, the military again intervened, ousting civilian transitional leaders, with Colonel Assimi Goita playing a central role in both coups. Goita assumed the position of transitional president and initially promised elections for February 2024. However, the election timeline was later postponed due to ongoing jihadist attacks. By July 2025, Goita endorsed legislation granting himself a renewable five-year presidential term without an electoral process, despite regional pressures and a fuel blockade.

Guinea
On September 5, 2021, Guinea’s military, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, overthrew President Alpha Condé and seized control of the government. Doumbouya later entered the presidential race in the December 28, 2025 elections, marking a return to formal civilian elections after the military coup.

Sudan
Sudan’s fragile transition from Omar al-Bashir’s rule was disrupted on October 25, 2021, when army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan deposed civilian leaders. The move sparked civil war in April 2023 between Burhan’s forces and the Rapid Support Forces, led by his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The conflict has caused massive casualties and created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso experienced two coups in 2022. In January, soldiers aligned with Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba overthrew President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré. In September, another faction led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré deposed Damiba, with Traoré assuming transitional leadership. By May 2024, Traoré secured approval to remain in power for another five years, despite ongoing extremist insurgencies and unclear electoral plans.

Niger
On July 26, 2023, Niger’s democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum was removed by members of his presidential guard. General Abdourahamane Tiani, commander of the guard, took control. In March 2025, the military council extended the transition period by five years, citing persistent threats from jihadist groups.

Gabon
On August 30, 2023, Gabon’s long-standing Bongo dynasty was abruptly ended when military officers annulled President Ali Bongo Ondimba’s contested re-election. General Brice Oligui Nguema became transitional president and, by April 2025, was elected president under a newly ratified constitution, winning 94.85% of the vote.

Madagascar
In October 2025, weeks of youth-led protests, primarily driven by Gen Z activists, culminated in the military ousting President Andry Rajoelina. Colonel Michael Randrianirina assumed the presidency, promising national elections within 18 to 24 months.

Guinea-Bissau
In November 2025, Guinea-Bissau’s military seized full control of the country, shutting borders and halting the electoral process just three days after general elections. A newly formed military command, representing all branches, announced it would govern indefinitely until further notice.