“UNRAVELING THE SURGE: ANALYZING THE RECENT WAVE OF COUPS IN AFRICA AND THEIR IMPLICATION FOR REGIONAL STABILITY”

Abstract

The recent surge of coups in the African continent and their destabilizing effect on the region’s stability has been a contentious issue and focus area in the international sphere. This paper thus focuses on the analysis of the root causes, the recurring patterns and the impact of coup d’état on the regional and political stability along with the historical evolution and socio economic factors contributing to the rise in coups. The paper examines how a coup in one region can have far reaching implications within the African countries as well on the neighbouring countries affecting regional alliances and development also hindering global partnerships. The responses and role of African Union (AU) and Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) in preventing and diminishing the occurrence and impact of coups in African countries is carefully examined, as these organisations are the key players in maintaining stability and mitigating regional conflicts and effectively intervening in case of an unconstitutional change of government or coup. The responses and support of the western powers like the U.K, United States and France, Russia is of great significance due to their historical presence in the African region, and with military troops of the western nations stationed in the African countries, where the recent coups have occurred, the paper examines the role these countries play in effectively supporting the African region to combat the epidemic of coups. Thus the paper presents a broader understanding of the political situation unfolding in Africa by understanding the underlining multi dimensional factors and rootcauses enhancing coups in Africa and highlighting the slow decay of democracy and responsible government in the African continent.

Key Words: Africa, Coup d’etat, AU, ECOWAS, regional stability, Military government, Accra initiative.