4 Powerful Coups In The History Of Africa
Military coup d’etats have become common among Africa’s 54 nations since many gained independence from colonialists, with the latest happening in Gabon. In the last three years, West Africa alone has experienced an alarming number of successful coup d’etats. Below are 4 powerful coups in the history of Africa.
Mutinous militaries have overthrown democratic governments in nations like Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and most recently, Niger.
The military overthrew the Nigerien government of President Mohamed Bazzoum on July 26, 2023.
The junta immediately dissolved the constitution, closed all institutional and closed all borders, attracting sanctions and possible military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
4 Powerful Coups In The History Of Africa
Kwame Nkrumah
On February 24, 1966, a military coup d’état led to the collapse of Kwame Nkrumah’s administration.
Leaders of the coup included army officers Colonel E.K. Kotoka, Major A. A. Afrifa, Lieutenant General (retired) J. A. Ankrah, and Police Inspector General J.W.K. Harlley.
After his overthrow, Nkrumah took refuge from his close ally, Sekou Toure, the President of Guinea, who made him an honorary co-president of that country.
Dr. Nkrumah later died in Bucharest, Romania, in 1972, where he had been sent to receive medical attention for cancer.
Kofi Abrefa Busia
He was Prime Minister of Ghana from 1969 to 1972. In his capacity as a nationalist leader and prime minister, he contributed to the restoration of civilian rule in the nation after military control.
On January 13, 1972, his government was overthrown by the army led by Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong in a bloodless coup while he was receiving medical attention in Britain.
Busia remained in exile in England and returned to Oxford University, where he died from a heart attack in August 1978.
Shehu Shagari
Nigeria’s most memorable democratically elected president was ousted in December 1983 by a gathering of senior military officers.
He took over power from military head of state General Olusegun Obasanjo in 1979, beginning the Second Republic of Nigeria.
In 1983, while serving as president, Shagari oversaw the mass deportation of West African immigrants, which largely affected Ghanaian workers in Nigeria.
The military gathering led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari that overthrew him described his government as inept and corrupt, citing widespread corruption and the country’s ailing economy.
Hamani Diori
Hamani Diori was the main president of the Republic of Niger who took office in 1960. He was appointed to the position after Niger gained independence.
He gained an international reputation for his work as an advocate for African issues and a well-liked conflict mediator.
However, he was ousted in April 1974 by Lieutenant Colonel Seyni Kountche-led military.
He was accused of consolidating power by appointing his tribesmen, family and close friends to his cabinet.
Diori also gained extra authority by designating himself as the Minister of Foreign and Defense Affairs.
READ: List Of The Longest Serving African Presidents In History
The junta further imprisoned him for quite some time and kept him under house arrest after his imprisonment.