What’s Spurring Wave of Protests and Coups Across Africa

The recent wave of protests and military coups across Africa is driven by a complex mix of factors, including political instability, economic challenges, and social discontent.

Economic Hardships: Many African countries are facing severe economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, inflation, and rising costs of living. For instance, in South Africa, workers have been protesting against high unemployment, interest rates, and rolling electricity blackouts. Economic hardships, including high unemployment rates, inflation, and poverty, have fueled public dissatisfaction.

In some cases, governments have struggled to provide basic services, leading to widespread frustration and protests. The soaring inflation and economic challenges have significantly impacted the cost of living. Many Nigerians are struggling to afford basic necessities, leading to widespread frustration and anger.

There have been numerous promises made by the government that remain unfulfilled. This includes commitments to improve living conditions, create jobs, and enhance public services. The failure to deliver on these promises has fueled public discontent. Union workers across the country have initiated strikes to protest against the economic situation and demand better wages and working conditions. These strikes have disrupted key services and added to the overall tension.

Political Instability: Political tensions and dissatisfaction with government policies are also fueling protests. In some cases, citizens are demanding better governance, transparency, and accountability from their leaders. For example, the imprisonment of former South African President Jacob Zuma in 2021 led to widespread unrest and looting.

Many African countries have experienced long-standing political instability, often characterized by weak governance, corruption, and lack of democratic processes. This has led to a loss of trust in civilian governments and created opportunities for military interventions.

Social Inequality: Widespread social inequality and poverty are significant drivers of unrest. Many people feel marginalized and are demanding social justice and equitable distribution of resources. This is evident in various protests where citizens are calling for improved living conditions and access to basic services.

Social issues such as inequality, lack of access to education and healthcare, and human rights abuses have also played a significant role. In countries like Sudan, protests have been driven by demands for better living conditions and a return to civilian rule.

Energy Crisis: In countries like South Africa, prolonged power cuts and energy crises have sparked protests. The lack of reliable electricity affects daily life and economic activities, leading to frustration and anger among the populace.

The influence of external actors, including former colonial powers and international organizations, has also been a factor. Some military leaders have rejected Western influence, seeking to assert national sovereignty and independence.

There is a concern that the protest model seen in other countries, such as Kenya, might be adopted in Nigeria. This has led to warnings against destructive protests and calls for peaceful demonstrations. These factors combined have created a volatile situation, with many Nigerians demanding immediate action to address their grievances. The protests reflect a deep-seated desire for change and better living conditions across the continent.

The spread of coups in one region can inspire similar actions in neighboring countries. For example, the recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have created a “coup belt” in West Africa, where military leaders have taken power and rejected regional blocs like ECOWAS. These protests and Coups reflect the deep-seated issues that many African nations are grappling with, and they highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to address these challenges.