The recent military takeover in Guinea-Bissau has pushed Africa’s coup count to 10 in just five years, underscoring the growing political instability across parts of the continent.
In this News, Insightlinks takes a look at the countries affected and how events unfolded:
Mali
Mali set off the current wave of coups in August 2020 when five army colonels removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita from power.
Less than a year later, in May 2021, the military again pushed aside the civilian-led interim government.
Colonel Assimi Goïta, the key figure behind both coups, became transitional president. Despite initially promising elections in February 2024, the military postponed them indefinitely, citing persistent jihadist attacks.
By July 2025, Goïta signed a law granting himself a five-year renewable presidential term without elections. Jihadist groups have since tightened pressure by blocking fuel supplies, further weakening the junta.
Guinea
Guinea experienced its own power shift on September 5, 2021, when troops led by Lieutenant-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya arrested President Alpha Condé.
Doumbouya recently filed his candidacy for the December 28, 2025 elections, which are intended to restore democratic rule.
Sudan
Sudan’s fragile power-sharing arrangement collapsed on October 25, 2021, when the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, launched a coup.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating war between the national army and the Rapid Support Forces commanded by Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. The conflict has killed tens of thousands and triggered one of the world’s worst humanitarian emergencies.
Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso saw two coups in 2022.
First, in January, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Damiba ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré.
Then in September, Captain Ibrahim Traoré overthrew Damiba and took charge.
Traoré has since extended his stay in office. In May 2024, the junta granted him an additional five years, citing ongoing jihadist violence.
Niger
Niger’s coup occurred on July 26, 2023, when the presidential guard toppled President Mohamed Bazoum.
General Abdourahamane Tiani took control and, in March 2025, extended the military transition by at least another five years in the battle-weary nation.
Gabon
After 55 years of Bongo family rule, Gabon’s military intervened on August 30, 2023 Just minutes after Ali Bongo was declared winner of a disputed election.
General Brice Oligui Nguema became transitional president and, in April 2025, won a new presidential election with 94.85% of the votes under a revamped constitution.
Madagascar
Madagascar joined the list in October 2025 when the military removed President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of intense “Gen Z”–led protests.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as the new leader and has pledged to organise elections within 18 to 24 months.
Advertisement
