## From access to power by weapons: a complex dynamic in Africa
The subject of coups in Africa raises essential questions on the nature of power, stability and popular will. Recently, General Brice Oligui Ngema was sworn in to Gabon after taking power by a coup in August 2023, a situation which reflects complex political dynamics on the continent. If the case of Gabon appears to be a glimmer of hope of a return to constitutional order, it also questions the implications of such changes of regime by force.
### The celebration of a political regularization?
On May 3, 2024, several African heads of state gathered in Libreville to celebrate the return to constitutional order. This moment might seem like a victory for democracy, but it raises important questions. The question that arises is whether this celebration is a genuine recognition of democratic choice or rather a manifestation of tacit acceptance of methods of access to power by arms.
The African Union, for example, promotes values of democracy, peace and stability. However, with the reintegration of trace of Ngema in the circle of African leaders, it is clear that the displayed principles come up against the reality of certain political practices. This raises the question of the effectiveness of current mechanisms for regulating and supervising political transitions within the Union.
### The prospect of political actors
The ascent of Oligui Ngema, after having dismissed Ali Bongo, shows that the passage through a coup does not necessarily constitute an insurmountable obstacle to international recognition. Indeed, among the leaders who celebrated this return, some may have to adopt similar steps, projecting themselves into a future where the coup would be perceived as a legitimate path to access power.
The political history of Gabon, marked by disputed elections and crises of legitimacy, also indicates that the population can be led to support a new player because of weariness towards the regimes in place. The 95% electoral score obtained by tracery ngema invites you to reflect: does it really translate a popular plebiscite or more an opportunity for renewal in a context of political frustration?
### Lessons from the past
If some putschists have managed to sail towards a democratic transition, such as Amadou Toumani Touré in Mali or Jerry Rawlings in Ghana, this dynamic is less frequent. It is crucial to consider that each context presents specificities which influence the trajectory of a leader after a coup. Recognition of the experience of these leaders is essential to qualify the debate.
Diets renowned for their longevity, which have used the coup as a starting point, also show that these transitions are often accompanied by unpleasant surprises. The authorities can be seduced by an ideal of absolute power, neglecting the requirements of responsible governance, which quickly compromises democratic progress.
### Towards a collective reflection
The return of tracery ngema to the international community must serve as a starting point for a collective reflection on the acceptance of coups as a possible path towards power. How can the international community encourage political transitions without renouncing democratic principles? How can African countries create structures that strengthen the resilience of institutions in the face of putschist temptations?
This debate goes beyond the question of the legitimacy and acceptability of methods of access to power. It touches fundamental issues of governance, political culture and responsibility of leaders. The management of political transitions in Africa requires total commitment, both from political actors and civil society, in order to prevent history from being repeated.
### Conclusion
Faced with multiple challenges, the situation in Gabon poses crucial questions about how power is built and maintains itself in Africa. If hopes may arise from the reinstatement of a civil government, this must not obscure the great responsibility which is the responsibility of the leaders to guarantee a real democracy, based on the participation of the people and the respect of the rights. An opening to a constructive dialogue could be beneficial to consolidate peace and stability, instead of locking up in a vision where the coup becomes an acceptable option to access power.