Over the past decades, the landscape of governance in Africa has been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny. The wave of independence that swept across the continent in the 1960s heralded a new era of self-rule. Yet, even as countless nations embraced democratic ideals, the journey has been anything but straightforward. While some African countries have steadfastly committed to democracy, others have circled back to a governance style reminiscent of Africa’s early days of autonomy. But why does this oscillation occur? What pushes some nations to revert to military rule, and what implications does this have for the future of governance in Africa? Such questions invite us to dig deeper into the political fabric of these nations.
Fast forward to 2025, and the African continent still presents a complex mosaic of governance models. Particularly striking are the countries in the Sahel region, where military rule has taken a firm foothold. Nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which jointly form the African Ex-Septet (AES), exemplify this trend. The dissatisfaction with democratic governance, fueled by various socio-political factors, has driven these nations to favor military regimes. We find ourselves wondering: What disillusionment could lead such nations to abandon democratic pathways? The answer often lies in the shortcomings associated with these administrations, whether perceived or real.
Though some critics argue that military rule negates the socio-political advances made by these nations, others contend that democratic regimes have been marred by corruption and inefficacy. It’s a contention that holds weight when observing the socio-economic conditions under some civilian administrations. In essence, the disillusionment may not lie so much with democracy itself but with how it has been administered in certain contexts. Reflecting on this, the famous American social reformer Frederick Douglass once said, “Power concedes nothing without a demand.” In such settings, citizens demand change—to reintegrate efficiency and integrity into public life, even if that means turning to military leadership.
But what metric can we use to evaluate the ‘effectiveness’ of a government? In many cases, a straightforward yardstick is the income citizens take home. A country’s wealth, often assessed by metrics such as GDP per capita, is an indicator of governance quality—whether under military rule or democratic administration. After all, the end goal of governance, whether military or civilian, should be the welfare of its populace. The question then transforms: Does military rule adequately stand up to this benchmark? Do these nations experience the economic prosperity expected from effective governance?
Here, we spotlight the African nations under military rule and delve into their economic standing, guided by the most recent data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The focus is on their GDP per capita, adjusted for purchasing power parity (PPP)—a measurement that offers a clearer picture by considering cost of living and exchange rates. In doing so, one must not overlook the subtle imperfections these figures represent, offering only snapshots of a broader narrative.
Currently, the world recognizes eight military administrations, seven of which are African. Besides the highlighted nations, Myanmar, Niger, and Sudan share this list, reminding us that such instances are not isolated phenomena. This context enriches our understanding of the interplay between governance forms and economic health, prompting further reflections: What lessons can be learned from the military-led governance of these countries, and how can they inform future political shifts?
5 Richest African Countries Under Military Rule
Gabon
On August 30, 2023, Gabon’s military leaders made a decisive announcement on national television, mere moments after President Ali Bongo was declared victorious in securing a third term. The alertness with which the military responded underscores a significant discontent with established processes and power structures. This move raises pivotal contemplations: How does this sudden shift redefine governance for Gabon, and what are the implications for its citizens? In this context, one wonders if political maneuvering has overshadowed the essence of democratic participation.
In a flash, state institutions like the Senate, National Assembly, and Constitutional Court were disbanded, while President Bongo was placed under house arrest. Such sudden and sweeping changes can unsettle even the most robust nations, prompting us to ponder the stability and future statecraft in Gabon.
Guinea
In a dramatic sequence of events, Lieutenant Colonel Mamady Doumbouya cemented his position as Guinea’s interim president in September 2021, following a coup d’état. The pivotal ousting of President Alpha Condé appears fueled by rampant corruption and economic mismanagement. Could this reflect a broader tendency of governance fatigue? Could a military ethos perhaps bring order to a previously beleaguered nation? Such questions linger as we consider the journey ahead for Guinea.
Doumbouya, a former French legionnaire, shared compelling insights in his reasoning, emphasizing an army-driven need to restore order amidst failing economic policies and widespread civil disenchantment. It’s as if echoing the words of political philosopher George Santayana, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” So, what historical patterns inform Guinea’s political strategy today, and what pathways may it forge moving forward?
Burkina Faso
At the dawn of 2022, the winds of change blew fiercely through Burkina Faso as mutinous troops toppled President Roch Marc Christian Kabore. Underwise commendation and promises followed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, as security pledges filled the air. But what about continuity in governance? Stroming and steadfast, yet another regime was upended months later by Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
Traoré weighed in by underlining national security concerns—a justification that begs for deeper exploration of the due process and its deviations. Political stability or the lack thereof casts a shadow in these transitions, challenging us to question: How instrumental or detrimental is instability in establishing new political norms?
Mali
The fascinating saga of Mali, entrenched in its recurring loops of power, stretches back to August 18, 2020. On this date, Assimi Goïta orchestrated a coup, deposing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta amid allegations of corruption and a withering economy. The storyline continues to unfold with promises of democratic elections, yet the pressures from international entities remain formidable.
In a recent turn of events, the junta unexpectedly withdrew promises made to return the nation to civilian rule. This persistent narrative begs the reflection: What core principles drive a nation’s quest for progress, and how do they negotiate between externally imposed demands and internal realities? There may be lessons here for other nations walking the fine line between military and civilian governance.
Chad
The sudden demise of President Idriss Déby in April 2021 opened a new chapter in Chad’s ambitious political novel. The military swiftly dissolved parliament, ushering in General Mahamat Idriss Déby—a narrative marked by complex political dynamics and familial inheritance of power. Does this signal a renewal or a mere prolongation of preceding regimes?
Deby’s succession sidestepped traditional legislative processes, revealing a transitional governance marked by improvisation. As author Anne Lamott wonderfully put it, “Life is mostly about showing up, bearing witness to the impeach events that shape us,” these shifts in Chad compel us to ponder the courageousness and curiosities that intertwine transitions of power.
The story of military governance in Africa is rich, complex, and evolving. As we reflect on the nature and evolution of these leadership styles, it becomes clear that genuine change requires not only power but a deep understanding of, and commitment to, the people. Perhaps in their search for stability, these nations will uncover a path where leadership, regardless of its form, aligns harmoniously with the aspirations of all its citizens.
Edited By Ali Musa Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
