Perennial Coups in Africa, by Boniface Ihiasota 

Africa’s post-independence path has often been marred by abrupt disruptions of democratic order, with coups becoming a recurrent and, tragically, almost predictable phenomenon. The recent events in Benin reaffirm that this spectre remains alive. On 7 December 2025, a group of soldiers appeared on state television declaring they had seized power, dissolved national institutions, suspended the constitution, and closed the country’s borders. Yet the attempt was thwarted when loyalist forces regained control, with the government’s Interior Minister confirming the coup had been foiled.

This near-coup in Benin is not an isolated incident; rather, it is a vivid illustration of a broader pattern that has haunted the continent for decades. Since the 1950s, the tally of coups, both successful and attempted, in Africa outstrips any other region globally. By some estimates, between 1950 and 2023, Africa registered around 220 coup attempts, of which 109 succeeded and 111 failed. At least 45 of the 54 countries on the continent have experienced at least one coup attempt in their postcolonial history.

The persistence of coups in Africa can be traced to deep structural challenges. Weak institutions, fragile rule of law, endemic corruption, economic hardship, and porous civil-military relations often create fertile ground for military interventions. Researchers have consistently noted the imbalance between civilian governance structures and powerful militaries as a recurring factor in the continent’s political instability.

West Africa, in particular, has borne the brunt of this cycle. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, there were nine coups or attempted coups across West and Central Africa, with nations such as Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Guinea experiencing partial or complete military takeovers.

The attempted coup in Benin stands out because, for many years, the country had been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Since the return to democratic rule in 1991 after nearly two decades of military dictatorship, Benin has regularly held presidential elections every five years. The 2025 attempt, therefore, is both a shock and a wake-up call.

The details surrounding the recent Benin plot are unsettling. According to the state prosecutor in a prior 2024 case, a coup attempt allegedly involved bags containing 1.5 billion CFA francs, approximately 2.5 million U.S. dollars, intended as funds to bribe or mobilize the presidential guard. Those implicated included a former sports minister and a businessman linked to high-level politics.

While not identical to the 2025 mutiny, the previous case indicates deeper undercurrents of elite intrigue and corruption that may feed motivations for a coup. The immediate impact of the failed 2025 attempt will likely be an internal reckoning: increased insecurity, possible crackdowns, and a climate of suspicion, all of which tend to frighten away investors and diminish public trust. But the consequences extend beyond the immediate. Every interruption in democratic order chips away at long-term institution-building and erodes the social contract between state and citizen.

From the diaspora, the frustration is palpable. We watch as our homelands oscillate between hope and despair, innovation and interruption. Our remittances, investments, and prayers for progress are tethered to the fate of countries like Benin. When a fragile democracy nearly falls, it shakes our belief in a stable Africa whose promise we carry with us across oceans and continents. However, beyond despair lies reflection, and perhaps even resolve.

The coup attempt in Benin should serve as a warning that stability cannot be taken for granted and that democracy is not guaranteed but must be actively nurtured and protected.

For Africa to break free from this cyclical fate of coups, governance structures must be strengthened to ensure a robust judiciary, independent electoral bodies, transparent civilian oversight of the military, and accountable intelligence services. Civic education must cultivate vigilant citizens who demand accountability and refuse to normalize unconstitutional transfers of power.

Regional and international solidarity is equally important, supporting democracy through the promotion of governance, human rights, and long-term stability rather than the expediency of short-term interests.

The failed coup in Benin is a moment of reckoning, not only for Benin but for the continent as a whole. Coups may disrupt governments, but they cannot and should not disrupt the enduring spirit of Africa. The long arc of African progress, encompassing democracy, development, and dignity, demands more than periodic elections; it requires strong institutions, integrity, and a citizenry committed to holding power accountable.

The shadow of coups has loomed over Africa for decades, but it is neither immutable nor inevitable. Breaking this cycle demands collective responsibility, unity, and the prioritization of national interest over personal ambition. Only through these sustained efforts can Africa replace the recurrent threat of military takeovers with a horizon of lasting democracy and development, ensuring that the promise of the continent is no longer postponed but fulfilled for generations to come.

Diaspora Watch Unveils 63rd Edition: A Global Mirror of Power, Politics and People

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The 63rd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers has hit the stands this week, bringing readers a compelling mix of global power plays, continental shifts, economic pursuits and cultural flashpoints.

From New York to Niamey, London to Lagos, the edition offers a panoramic view of unfolding events shaping the world and Africa’s place within it.

On the cover, U.S. politics takes centre stage as President Donald Trump, addressing the United Nations, boldly declares: “No President Has Done What I’ve Done.” In a dramatic twist on African geopolitics, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger jointly announce their withdrawal from the International Criminal Court, condemning it as a “neo-colonial tool.”

Kenya’s President turns to America’s corporate giants, assuring investors of stability in a pitch to attract capital inflows. Nigeria equally seizes the moment, with the NNPC outlining ambitious upstream oil and gas expansion plans targeting $60 billion in investment. Across the Caribbean, CARICOM leaders rally at the UNGA 80, pressing hard for climate justice and a development agenda that cannot be ignored.

Europe is not left out of the storm: the Welsh First Minister pointedly shuns Trump’s banquet, fueling political ripples back home, while in Africa, Cameroon’s political dynasty faces unusual pressure as President Biya’s daughter openly calls on citizens to reject her father’s re-election bid. Elsewhere, Albania breaks new ground with the appointment of an AI “Minister” to combat corruption in public procurement — a move being hailed as futuristic governance.

On the health front, the World Health Organization issues a sobering warning, noting that slowing progress on non-communicable diseases and mental health is putting millions at risk globally.

Sports enthusiasts will find gripping drama on the back page, where Manchester United’s crisis-hit boss lays down the gauntlet with a blunt declaration: “My way or no way.”

Diaspora Watch 62nd Edition Is Here!

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The 62nd edition of Diaspora Watch Newspapers is out, delivering a hard-hitting blend of global politics, African affairs, diplomacy, business, health, and culture, with stories that cut across continents and shape conversations.

Leading the cover is a riveting headline from London, where Donald Trump’s UK visit takes a dramatic turn as he sidesteps the brewing Mandelson–Epstein controversy, raising eyebrows in diplomatic and media circles alike.

In the Middle East, Saudi authorities have freed three Nigerian pilgrims detained over alleged drug trafficking, bringing relief to families back home. On the domestic front, Labour Party’s Peter Obi lambasts President Tinubu over plans for emergency rule in Rivers State, stoking fresh political debates.

The global economy also takes centre stage: the United Kingdom secures a massive £150 billion U.S. investment as Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Donald Trump strike a landmark tech deal. Meanwhile, South Sudan is plunged deeper into crisis as President Salva Kiir suspends his deputy, Riek Machar, and accuses him of treason.

In Asia, U.S.-China tensions flare once again as Beijing slams Nvidia with monopoly breach accusations, just as both nations resume sensitive trade talks. Public health makes headlines with the World Health Organization’s grim report of a 50% surge in global cholera deaths. From Europe, Spain introduces disaster preparedness lessons for children, a move hailed as a pioneering approach to climate resilience.

The Caribbean bloc, CARICOM, issues a firm condemnation of Israel’s strike on Qatar, insisting on respect for international law. In the energy sector, the United States oil industry struggles as job losses mount and companies slash spending amid sliding prices.

On the cultural front, Hollywood dazzles as Brad Pitt and The Studio emerge dominant at the 2025 Emmy Awards, sealing their place in entertainment history.

With fearless reportage and bold editorial framing, Diaspora Watch continues to provide the diaspora community with sharp insights and global perspectives, reinforcing its position as the voice of Africans abroad and a trusted lens on world affairs.

The 62nd edition is available now in print and digital formats.