The West African region has experienced a resurgence of military coup d’états in recent years, particularly in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, raising concerns about democratic stability. From General Ibrahim Babangida to Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings, military leaders who seized power often believed they were acting in the best interests of their nations. However, many coup plotters who became long-serving presidents had to be forcefully removed through military coups themselves.
Notable examples beyond West Africa include Mobutu Sese Seko, who seized power in Zaire through a 1965 coup, and Idi Amin, who took power in Uganda through a 1971 coup. These leaders ruled with brutality before being deposed through military intervention.
In contrast, leaders like Jerry Rawlings of Ghana facilitated a smooth transition to civilian rule after seizing power. Ibrahim Babangida of Nigeria introduced reforms but remains controversial due to his annulment of the 1993 elections. The decision continues to be a defining aspect of his legacy.
Notable leaders from the West African region who came to power through military coups include Jerry John Rawlings of Ghana, Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha of Nigeria, Thomas Sankara and Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso, and Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo.
In Mali, leaders like Moussa Traoré and Amadou Toumani Touré came to power through coups and were later overthrown. Assimi Goïta currently serves as Mali’s interim president after leading coups in 2020 and 2021.
In Liberia, Samuel Doe led a coup in 1980 but was overthrown and killed in 1990. In Sierra Leone, Valentine Strasser became president through a coup in 1992 but was ousted in 1996 by Julius Maada Bio.
Since 2020, nine successful coups have occurred in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, raising concerns about political stability and governance in Africa. This list of prominent figures who led or took over governments after successful coups is not exhaustive but highlights the impact of military interventions on African politics.
