In the recent years, Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them?
Contents10
- ADiscovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements
- BEstablishment of Chinese Military bases
- CSouthward expansion of Sahara Desert
- DSuccessful coups
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Answer: (D) Successful coups
Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan have all experienced military coups in recent years.
The African Union's Peace and Security Council addressed the political transitions in these countries in 2022.
Answer is (d) Military coups.
Between 2021-2022, a wave of military coups swept across West and Central Africa, with Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan all experiencing successful military takeovers that removed civilian governments.
The African Union's Peace and Security Council specifically addressed these political transitions in 2022, suspending these countries from AU membership due to unconstitutional changes of government.
UPSC is testing awareness of contemporary African political instability and whether students can distinguish between military coups versus other regional challenges like desertification or resource discovery.
Recent Military Coups in Africa
World Affairs (International Relations) Chad Guinea Mali Sudan coups
Recent Military Coups in Africa: Chad, Guinea, Mali & Sudan
Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan all experienced military coups between 2020-2022
African Union Peace and Security Council addressed these political transitions in 2022
These coups represent a broader trend of democratic backsliding in Africa
Military takeovers often cite corruption and insecurity as justifications
Military coups have resurged across Africa since 2020, with Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan being prominent examples. These unconstitutional changes of government have drawn international condemnation and highlighted the fragility of democratic institutions in the region.
Timeline of Recent Coups
Country | Coup Date | Previous Leader | Military Leader/Group |
|---|---|---|---|
Mali | August 2020 | Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta | Colonel Assimi Goïta |
Chad | April 2021 | Idriss Déby (died) | Mahamat Idriss Déby |
Guinea | September 2021 | Alpha Condé | Colonel Mamady Doumbouya |
Sudan | October 2021 | Abdalla Hamdok (PM) | General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan |
Common Patterns
Military leaders cite corruption, economic mismanagement, and security failures as justification
Youth-led protests and civil unrest often precede military intervention
Coups typically promise transitional governments leading to civilian rule
Regional and international sanctions follow, including AU suspension of membership
France and other Western powers have reduced support for military governments
Geographic Context
Map of Africa highlighting Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan with different colors to show their locations across West, Central, and Northeast Africa
The four countries span different regions of Africa, showing the continental scope of recent democratic backsliding
Trap: Don't confuse with Burkina Faso - also had recent coups but not listed in this question
Trap: Chinese military bases exist in Djibouti, not these four countries
Trap: Rare earth deposits are significant in Democratic Republic of Congo, not these nations
Trap: Sahara expansion affects the region but is not why these countries gained attention together
African Union Peace & Security Council
World Affairs (International Relations) African Union
African Union Peace & Security Council: Role in Coup Response
AU Peace and Security Council is the continental body for conflict prevention and resolution
Has power to suspend AU membership of countries after unconstitutional changes
Addressed the political transitions in Chad, Guinea, Mali, and Sudan in 2022
The African Union Peace and Security Council serves as the continent's primary mechanism for addressing conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government. It has statutory authority to impose sanctions and suspend membership of countries experiencing military coups.
Powers & Functions
Suspend AU membership of countries with unconstitutional government changes
Deploy AU peacekeeping missions in conflict zones
Impose targeted sanctions on coup leaders and their supporters
Facilitate mediation and dialogue between conflicting parties
Coordinate with UN Security Council and regional economic communities
AU Response to Recent Coups
Country | AU Action | Status | Additional Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
Mali | Membership suspended | Ongoing transition | ECOWAS sanctions |
Guinea | Membership suspended | Transition promised | ECOWAS sanctions |
Sudan | Membership suspended | Political crisis continues | International pressure |
Chad | Condemned transition | Transitional council recognized | Calls for civilian rule |
Democratic Backsliding in Africa
World Affairs (International Relations)
Democratic Backsliding Across Africa: Causes & Consequences
Africa has witnessed increased military coups and democratic reversals since 2020
Weak institutions, corruption, and security challenges drive political instability
Youth demographics and economic frustration fuel anti-government sentiment
Democratic backsliding refers to the weakening of democratic norms and institutions through both gradual erosion and sudden breakdowns like military coups. Africa's recent experience reflects broader global trends of democratic recession.
Drivers of Backsliding
# Democratic Backsliding in Africa
## Economic Factors
- Youth unemployment
- Corruption
- Resource mismanagement
- External debt
## Security Challenges
- Terrorism (Sahel)
- Ethnic conflicts
- Weak military capacity
- Border insecurity
## Political Factors
- Term limit violations
- Electoral fraud
- Weak institutions
- Power concentration
## External Influences
- Great power competition
- Reduced Western engagement
- Regional instability
- Climate pressuresRegional Impact
Sahel region particularly affected due to terrorism and climate challenges
Economic communities like ECOWAS impose sanctions but with limited success
Migration pressures increase as people flee instability
International aid and investment decline in affected countries