In the years 2021-2022, Africa witnessed a significant rise in military coups and attempts with six successful coups and two failed attempts.
This surge in unconstitutional changes of government (UCG) deviated from the previous decade’s trends.
The UNDP flagship report, titled “Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa” examines the recent surge in military coups and unconstitutional changes of government (UCG) in Africa.
The report provides a forward-looking perspective, aiming to prevent further coups and explore opportunities for transformative change and sustained constitutional order in countries affected by coups.
‘To ensure stable and successful transitions following military coups, inclusivity of all groups in society is needed.’
The report presents several key findings that shed light on the current landscape of coups in Africa and the necessary steps for preventing future instances.
The following 6 key findings highlight the underlying factors contributing to coup risks, the significance of inclusive post-coup transitions, the need for long-term investment in democracy and human rights, the role of historical military governance, the specific challenges faced in the Sahel region, and the importance of regional and international partnerships.
Democracy in Africa has faced multiple challenges over the past decade, representing continental experience of global democratic erosion.
The Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) is a collaborative initiative by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to provide integrated programmatic support to African countries undergoing complex political transitions, including countries experiencing or at risk of unconstitutional changes of government (UCG). Its overall objective is to support credible, inclusive and legitimate transition roadmaps, mechanisms and institutions towards a return to constitutional rule, democracy and stability in relevant countries.
“ We are tired of coups. People have suffered, lost dear ones, were humiliated, impoverished and even killed. We don’t want coups.”