West African Leaders Who Rose to Power via Military Coups: Babangida, Rawlings, and Others

Have you ever wondered why certain regions seem to experience endless cycles of political upheaval? Imagine the landscape of West Africa, where military coups have become a peculiar phenomenon, especially in nations like Mali and Burkina Faso. Concerns about democratic stability in this vibrant region are frequently overshadowed by the rumblings of military trucks signaling yet another seize of power.

The landscape isn’t just influenced by unknown officers; it features prominent figures such as General Ibrahim Babangida and Ghana’s Jerry Rawlings, who once believed they acted in the best interest of their nations. These leaders have either been revered as champions or decried as oppressors. It begs the question: What drives someone to take hold of power through such dramatic means?

Reflecting on those who remained in power until they too were removed by the very force they used—military intervention—one can ponder over the fascinating life of Mobutu Sese Seko. His audacious coup in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (formerly Zaire) in 1965 enabled him to overrule established leaders like Joseph Kasavubu, all while pushing aside notable figures such as Patrice Lumumba.

Mobutu’s three-decade-long reign ended not with applause but through a forced, dramatic exit as Laurent-Désiré Kabila’s rebellion chased him into exile. This narrative isn’t unique. Back in Uganda, a similar story unfolded when Idi Amin, with a notable reputation for brutality, seized control in 1971, toppled President Milton Obote, and held his grip until 1979.

Interestingly, while some leaders clung to power with iron fists, others chose the path less traveled. Jerry Rawlings not only grabbed power but gracefully transitioned Ghana toward civilian rule, setting a precedent of peaceful political evolution. Still, the controversial legacy of Ibrahim Babangida lingers, particularly due to the unexpected annulment of Nigeria’s freest and fairest 1993 elections. This decision sits uneasily within political history, casting questions on integrity and introspection.

When reflecting on these complex profiles, one may ask: What happens when power intended to secure a nation gets corrupted?

Ghana

Jerry John Rawlings led two coups in 1979 and 1981. A transformative figure, he didn’t merely monopolize power; he utilized it to push Ghana toward democracy, serving as president until 2001.

Nigeria

Ibrahim Babangida toppled Muhammadu Buhari in 1985, introducing certain economic reforms. His term, however, remains overshadowed by the annulment of the pivotal 1993 elections.

In 1993, Sani Abacha took control, and his dictatorial rule lasted until his death in 1998, characterized by a relentless suppression of opposition.

Burkina Faso

Thomas Sankara, a progressive leader after his 1983 coup, redefined Burkina Faso until his 1987 assassination. Blaise Compaoré took over and maintained power for 27 years until a revolutionary uproar in 2014.

Notably, in January 2022, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba emerged through another coup, only to be replaced by Captain Ibrahim Traoré in September the same year, marking him as Africa’s youngest leader.

Togo

Gnassingbé Eyadéma, who rose to power in a 1967 coup, exerted control for 38 years until his death, casting a long-standing shadow over Togo’s political history.

Mali

Moussa Traoré’s coup in 1968 led to an extended gripping rule. Amadou Toumani Touré, who facilitated a temporary democracy, was nonetheless ousted in 2012 during a tumultuous coup.

Assimi Goïta’s role in coups during 2020 and 2021 presently positions him as Mali’s interim president, a testament to the enduring legacy of such power shifts.

Liberia

Samuel Doe’s 1980 coup granted him the title of Liberia’s first indigenous leader. His dramatic fall in 1990 paints an intricate picture of power and politics.

Sierra Leone

At just 25, Valentine Strasser seized leadership through a coup in 1992 but was substituted by his deputy, Julius Maada Bio, marking yet another cycle of military turnover.

Other Notable Figures

Figures like Paul-Henri Damiba, albeit briefly influential, illustrate the volatile nature of power acquired through coups. They are markers of both historical disruption and political curiosity.

Since 2020, a staggering nine successful coups have marked nations like Mali and Burkina Faso, prompting a closer look at Africa’s continual struggle for political stability and governance. How will history judge these actions, and what lessons remain unlearned?