The multiple coups that are shaking West Africa reflect a historical and demographic shift, according to Achille Mbembé, Cameroonian researcher and professor of history and political science at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg.
In a recent interview, Mbembé sheds light on the root causes of this multiplication of coups in the Sahelian countries. According to him, these events are an expression of a major upheaval that is currently taking place in Africa.
He explains that this region of the continent faces structural challenges such as rapid population growth, poverty, insecurity and endemic corruption. These factors fuel a sense of frustration and disillusion among the population, which sees political leaders as responsible for the inability to solve these problems.
In this context, coups are often seen as a quick fix to overthrow existing regimes and bring about radical change. They thus become the means for part of the population to take their destiny into their own hands and to get rid of political elites deemed to be corrupt and inefficient.
Mbembé also points out that these coups are fueled by political rivalries, power struggles and ethnic rivalries that exacerbate tensions and state fragility in the region. Rebel groups and armed factions exploit this instability to take control of certain areas, thus adding a security dimension to the political crisis.
However, Mbembé cautions against romanticizing coups by portraying them as liberation movements. He points out that these events can also lead to greater oppression and attacks on civil liberties.
In conclusion, the coups in West Africa are a symptom of profound social, economic and political upheaval in the region. They are based on frustrations and unmet expectations of the population, but can also have negative consequences for democracy and human rights. This is why it is crucial to find lasting solutions to solve the structural problems that fuel this instability