Current Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CJHASS)

EXAMINING WEST AFRICAN MODELS OF COUP PREVENTION AND THEIR APPLICABILITY TO EAST AFRICA

Authors

  • Li Wei Zhang Department of African Studies Center, School of International Relations, Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu N Road, Wu Hua Qu, Kun Ming Shi, Yun Nan Sheng, China
  • Mei Ling Chen Department of African Studies Center, School of International Relations, Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu N Road, Wu Hua Qu, Kun Ming Shi, Yun Nan Sheng, China.

Abstract

Political instability has been a persistent issue in Africa since the 1960s, with significant repercussions across the continent. Although East Africa has not experienced the same level of political turbulence as West Africa, the latter's turmoil has had a profound impact on regional security. Since the Cold War's end, West Africa's path toward democratization and economic stability has been marred by various forms of violence, including civil wars, ethnic conflicts, military coups, and secessionist movements. The challenges of ineffective governance, nepotism, poverty, and high unemployment rates are often cited as key drivers of these military coups. This study explores the nature and impact of these issues, focusing on how West Africa's experiences with political instability can offer valuable insights for East Africa. By analysing the drivers of coups and other forms of violence in West Africa, this research aims to provide a framework for understanding and addressing similar challenges in East Africa, ultimately contributing to regional stability and security.

Keywords:

Political instability, Military coups, regional security, Democratization Socioeconomic challenges

Published

2024-07-31

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13142140

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Zhang , L. W., & Chen, M. L. (2024). EXAMINING WEST AFRICAN MODELS OF COUP PREVENTION AND THEIR APPLICABILITY TO EAST AFRICA. Current Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CJHASS), 11(3), 1–34. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13142140

References

Abubakar A (2020). Critical Appraisal of The East African Community (EAC). (Doctoral dissertation).

Adebajo A (2002). Building Peace in West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. Lynne Rienner Publishers.

Adefisoye TO, Braimah FI (2023). Restoring civilian government with military might: The ECOWAS dilemma.

Akinkugbe OD (2024). The Challenge to the Rule of Law and Democracy in Contemporary West and Central Africa. Forthcoming in The Rule of Law under Pressure. Forthcoming in The Rule of Law under Pressure: The Enmeshment of International and National Trends, Gregory Shaffer and Wayne Sandholtz (Eds) (CUP).

Alkaramov T (2023). Importance of Economic Corridors as Driver of Regional Integration: South Caucasus and Central Asian Context. Journal of Economics, Finance and Management Studies. Bacon T, Muibu D (2019). The Domestication of Al-Shabaab. The Journal of the Middle East and Africa 10(3):279-305. Balima H (2020). Coups d'état and the foreign exchange market. The World Economy 43:1928-1950.

Bar J (2019). East African Communities (1967-1978, 1999) and their Activity for Political Stability of the Region. Politeja.

Beardsworth N, Siachiwena H, Sishuwa S (2022). Autocratisation, electoral politics and the limits of incumbency in African democracies. Journal of Eastern African Studies 16(4):515-535.

Bertrand E (2022). Nothing will be as before the 2014 Insurrection in Burkina Faso and its Political Impact. Popular Protest, Political Opportunities, and Change in Africa (pp. 73-90). Routledge.

Boafo-Arthur K (2008). Democracy and stability in West Africa: the Ghanaian experience. Uppsala University: Nordiska Afrikainstitutet; Department of Peace and Conflict Research.

Boakye T (2023). Coup D’états in the West African Region: A Threat to Regional Human Security. The International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies.

Bukae NM (2012). An analysis of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) preventive diplomacy in the Kingdom of Lesotho: a case study. Doctoral dissertation, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Byiers B, Karkare P, Golooba-Mutebi F, Nkuba B, Balegamire C (2023). Security through market integration? The political economy of the DRC’s accession to the EAC. Discussion paper. Maastricht: ECDPM 341 P.

Charalambides NA (2017). A legal and economic assessment of South Sudan’s possible accession to the East African Community. tralac Working Paper No. T17WP01/2017.

Chemelil PK (20216). Tanzania’s Dilemmas and Prospects in East African Community: A Case of Trepidation and Suspicion. Developing Country Studies 6(1).

Clément JA (2004). The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Lessons and challenges for a country emerging from war. Postconflict economics in Sub-Saharan Africa: lessons from the Democratic Republic of the Congo 2(6).

Cohen SB (2003). Geopolitics of the world system. Rowman and Littlefield.

Cojocaru A (2022). Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis and Peace Process in The Democratic Republic of the Congo. Euro-Atlantic Studies 5:57-89.

Daffeh A (2024). Critical Assessment of Military Interventions in Governance in West Africa: Identifying the Root Causes. African Journal of Empirical Research 5(1):456-462.

Dahl M, Gleditsch KS (2023). Clouds with silver linings: how mobilization shapes the impact of coups on democratization. European Journal of International Relations 29(4):1017-1040.

Dal S (2023). REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN AFRICA: EAC AND

ECOWAS. Bölgesel Araştırmalar Dergisi 7(2):489-515.

Defontaine C (2019). Setting up early warning and response systems to prevent violent conflicts and save lives. World Bank 15.

Denisova TS, Kostelyanets SV (2023). The Democratic Republic of the Congo: Political Instability and the Rwandan Factor. Vestnik RUDN. International Relations 23(1):37-47.

Doom R, Vlassenroot K (1999). Kony's message: a new koine? The Lord's Resistance Army in Northern Uganda. African affairs 98(390):5-36.

EAC (2023). https://www.eac.int/press-releases/2977-east-africancommunity-continues-on-a-trajectory-of-expansion-as-summitadmits-somalia-into-the-bloc

EAC (2024). https://www.eac.int/overviewofeac#:~:text=The%20East%20African%20Community%20(EAC,Ugan da%2C%20and%20the%20United%20Republic

EAC (2024). Overview of EAC. Retrieved 3 24, 2024, from East African Community: https://www.eac.int/overview-of-eac

Eizenga D (2023). Burkina Faso. In Africa Yearbook Volume. Brill. Elamin MO (2023). Navigating Complexities: African Union’s Peace and Security Strategy Challenges after Niger and Gabon Coups. International Journal 10(3):2070-2081.

Engels B (2023). Coups and neo-colonialism. Review of African Political Economy 50(176):147-153.

Engels B (2022). Popular struggles and the search for alternative democracies. Review of African Political Economy 49(172):201-208. Erude SU, Agiri JE (2023). MILITARY JUNTA IN FRANCOPHONE WEST-AFRICA. Journal of Public Administration, Finance and Law.

Chigozie CF, Oyinmiebi PT (2022). Resurgence of military coups in West Africa: Implications for ECOWAS. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research 5(2):52-64.

Ganza G (2022). The role of the East African Community (EAC) in preventing and resolving regional conflicts. Doctoral dissertation, Makerere University

Gutteridge W (2023). The military in African politics. Taylor & Francis.

Gvilia T (2021). Boko Haram–African Islamic State. Doctoral dissertation

Hansen J (2024). The West African Coup Trap: A qualitative case study of military coups d'état in Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Guinea. Hassabou M (2016). Somali Piracy" Causes, Consequences and Proposed Solutions". Noor Publishing.

Hudson A, Towriss D (2023). Retrieved from Two more coups in Africa: similarities, differences, and what comes next:

https://www.idea.int/blog/two-more-coups-africa-similaritiesdifferences-and-what-comes-next

Huguet A (2023). The CONVERSATION. Retrieved from East Africa’s troops are leaving the DRC: what went wrong and what comes next: https://theconversation.com/east-africas-troops-are-leaving-the-drcwhat-went-wrong-and-what-comes-next-219500#:~: text=What%20prompted%20the%20exit%20from,even% 2 0of%20colluding%20with%20rebels.

Ignatius S, Cara A (2023). World News. Retrieved from Rwanda’s president says he’ll run for a fourth term and doesn’t care what the West thinks about it: https://apnews.com/article/rwanda-electionpolitics-president-kagame-2ef0d267bbf0d6563d3952e2e49b9030 Jackson R (2006). Africa’s Wars: Overview. Causes and the Challenges of Conflict Transformation’. (2)26-27.

Jefferson K, Thomas M (2023). Reuters. Retrieved from Kenyan anti-tax hike protests subside as police clamp down:

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/kenyas-opposition-set-secondday-tax-hike-protests-2023-07-20/

Jordan S (2023). Family affair’: Gabon opposition lambasts coup, claims election victory. Retrieved 9 1, 2023, from AL JAZEERA: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/1/family-affair-gabonopposition-lambasts-coup-claims-election-victory

Kaniki A (2022). Examination of Security Challenges in the East African Community (EAC) Region. International Diplomatic Review Journal. Kaplan RD, Rieff D (2000). The coming anarchy. World Policy Journal 17(2):95-96.

Kasule J (2022). Historical Dictionary of Uganda. Rowman & Littlefield. Kenyaggia N (2016). "The Role of Public Diplomacy in Regional Integration a Case Study of Eac." PhD diss., University of Nairobi.

Komey GK, Osman AA, Melakedingel N (2013). Operationalizing African-led solutions in peace and security: Case studies from South Sudan and Somalia. Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS), African-led Solutions (AfSol) Research Project, Addis Ababa.

Korotayev A, Issaev L, Ilyina A, Zinkina J, Voronina E (2024). Revolutionary history of Niger: From independence to 2023 Coup. In Terrorism and political contention: New perspectives on North Africa and the Sahel region. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland pp. 169194.

Kumah-Abiwu F (2023). Thomas Sankara’s Ideology and Political Leadership. In The Political Impact of African Military Leaders: Soldiers as Intellectuals, Nationalists, Pan-Africanists, and Statesmen pp. 155-167.

Kumar R (2023). The Wagner Group in the Central Sahel: Decolonization or Destabilization?

Larivé MH (2014). Welcome to France’s New War on Terror in Africa: Operation Barkhane. The National Interest 7 p.

Lynch M (2014). The Arab uprisings explained: New contentious politics in the Middle East. Columbia University Press.

Mahatsangy RS, Swastanto Y, Mahroza J (2023). Confidence Building Measures among East African Community for Strengthening Peace in the Region. International Journal of Integrative Research.

Maina S (2024). AL JAZEERA. Retrieved from Concert in Kenya to pay tribute to those killed in tax hike protests: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/7/concert-in-kenya-to-paytribute-to-those-killed-in-tax-hikeprotests#:~:text=At%20least%2039%20people%20were,resignation%20of%20President%20William%20Ruto.

Marc AV (2015). The challenge of stability and security in West Africa. World Bank Publications.

Matei FC (2021). Mali: The hot and cold relationship between military intervention and democratic consolidation. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Politics.

Mattheis F (2024). How to wield regional power from afar: A conceptual discussion illustrated by the case of France in Central Africa. International Politics 61(1):145-168.

McGowan PJ (2001). 2003). African military coups d'état, 1956 frequency, trends and distribution. The Journal of Modern African Studies 41(3):339-370.

Miller M (2014). Elections and elite violence on the road to democratization, 1800-2010. In APSA 2014 Annual Meeting Paper.

Minde N (2023). CONSTITUITIONNET. Retrieved from Tanzania’s pathway to a new constitution: genuine progress or political rhetoric?: https://constitutionnet.org/news/tanzanias-pathway-new-constitutiongenuine-progress-or-political-rhetoric

Mmari D, Msami J, Mwombela S, Mpapalik, J, Demena BA, van Bergeijk PA (2022). EAC integration: evidence-based policy in difficult times. In Trade and Investment in East Africa: Prospects, Challenges and Pathways to Sustainability Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore pp. 21-39.

Moestrup S (2019). Presidential term limits in Burkina Faso. The politics of presidential term limits pp. 363-383.

Mohamedou K (2024). The Wagner Group, Russia’s Foreign Policy and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Moolakkattu J (2010). The Role of the African Union in Continental Peace and Security Governance. India Quarterly 66:15-165.

Mozambique (2023). Top 10 richest mineral-producing countries in

Africa. FURTHER AFRICA: https://furtherafrica.com/2023/05/30/top-10-richest-mineral-producing-countries-in-africa/

Mshomba RE (2017). Economic integration in Africa: The East African community in comparative perspective. Cambridge University Press.

Msoshi M (2024). DR Congo army says it has thwarted attempted coup. BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cxeeydypv32o

Munyao SM (2013). Strategies for regional integration: a case study of the East African Community. Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi.

Murgia N (2023). The Wagner Group's counterinsurgency operations in Mali. Murigi H (2021). East Africa Community’s’ Response to Burundi Crisis: A Case for Formulation of an Intervention Policy.

Museveni Y (2000). What is Africa's problem? U of Minnesota Press. Mwapachu JV (2010). EAC: Past, present and future. The East African Community.

N’Diaye B (2011). Conflicts and Crises in West Africa: Internal and International Dimensions. ECOWAS and the Dynamics of Conflict and Peace-Building pp. 27-44.

Nairobi/Brussels. (2024). Retrieved from Northern Uganda: Understanding and Solving the Conflict: https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/uganda/northernuganda-understanding-and-solving-conflict

Nasubo FE (2017a). Doctoral dissertation, Egerton University.

Nasubo FE (2017b). The struggle for regional integration in Africa: the east African community. Doctoral dissertation, Egerton University, 1886-2013.

Ngendakumana E (2024). AL JAZEERA. Retrieved from Burundi closes border with Rwanda in latest East Africa row: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/12/burundi-closes-border- with-rwanda-in-latest-east-africa-row

Ngendakumana E (2024). AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES. Retrieved 1 12, 2024, from AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/1/12/burundi-closes-borderwith-rwanda-in-latest-east-africa-row

Nyadera I (2018). South Sudan conflict from 2013 to 2018: Rethinking the causes, situation and solutions. African Journal on Conflict Resolution 18:59-86.

Nyesiga NH (2017). Combating transnational terrorism in the East African region: The role of the African Union Mission in Somalia. Doctoral dissertation, Monterey, California: Naval Postgraduate School .

Chimaobi O, Okon BB, Udoh E, Eme EO (2023). Leadership and the Success of African Integration and Development Agenda: Juxtaposing the African Continental Free Trade Area-AFCFTA and Agenda 2063. African Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities Research 6(2):190-206.

Odigbo J, Ezekwelu KC, Okeke RC (2023). Democracy’s Discontent and the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa. Journal of Contemporary International Relations and Diplomacy.

Oloyede B, Osabuohien ES, Ejemeyovwi JO (2021). Trade openness and economic growth in Africa's regional economic communities: empirical evidence from ECOWAS and SADC. Heliyon 7 p.

Omotola JS (2011). Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa. What Implications for Democratic Consolidation? Nordiska Afrikainstitutet.

Orina W (2021). Strategies to Combat Drug Trafficking in Africa: Case Study of Kenya . Doctoral dissertation, University of Nairobi.

Owaka SP (2023). EAC. Retrieved from EAC and ICGLR commit to strengthening collaboration to support in the quest for the restoration of peace and security in Eastern DRC: https://www.eac.int/pressreleases/154-peace-security/2732-eac-and-icglr-commit-tostrengthening-collaboration-to-support-in-the-quest-for-therestoration-of-peace-and

Paillard Borg J (2024). Galli Non Grata in Mali? Explaining why France left Mali in August 2022.

Pelaji S (2023). VATICAN NEWS. Retrieved from Catholic Bishops in Tanzania oppose an agreement giving Ports to a Dubai based company.: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/africa/news/202308/catholic-bishops-in-tanzania-oppose-an-agreement-giving-thecoun.html

PELLEGRIN C (2023). Gabon's economy: A wealth of resources that fails to trickle down to the population. Retrieved 8 30, 2023, from Business: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/businessdaily/20230830-gabon-s-economy-a-wealth-of-resources-that-fail-totrickle-down-to-population

Peter L (2023). Niger soldiers declare coup on national TV. Retrieved 7 27, 2023, from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66320895

Pokalova E (2023). The Wagner group in Africa: Russia’s quasi-state agent of influence. Studies in Conflict and Terrorism 1-23.

Pokorny B, von Lübke C, Dayamba SD, Dickow H (2019). All the gold for nothing? Impacts of mining on rural livelihoods in Northern Burkina Faso. World Development 119:23-39. Powell J (2020). COUPS AND DEMOCRATIZATION: REVISITING THE DEBATE.

Powell J, Chacha M (2019). Closing the Book on Africa’s First Generation Coups’. African Studies Quarterly 18(2):87-94.

Rashed DI (2017). Authoritarianism and the Civilianization of Force: Police Power in Militarized Regimes.

Roberto WM, Closs MB, Ronconi GBA (2013). The situation in Mali. UFRGS Model United Nations Journal, Porto Alegre pp. 71-97. Rwengabo S (2014). Regional Security Cooperation in the East African Community.

Sabala K (2023). CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS FOR THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY IN MEDIATION: THE CASE OF THE BURUNDI MEDIATION. Mediating Peace in Africa: A study on the role of Mediation Support Units, (P 81). Mediating Peace in Africa. Salacuse J (2022). Interstate Arbitration: “… Settling Disputes Which Diplomacy Has Failed to Settle ”. Negotiation Journal 38(2):179-197.

San José Ortiz de Zárate A (2023). The presence of Jihadist Terrorism in the Sahel: A Comparative Analysis between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Siddiqi S, Masud TI, Nishtar S, Peters DH, Sabri B, Bile KM, Jama MA (2009). Framework for assessing governance of the health system in developing countries: gateway to good governance. Health policy 90(1):13-25.

Siegle J, Cook C (2021). Presidential term limits key to democratic progress and security in Africa. Orbis 65(3):467-482.

Smith PJ (2015). Terrorism and Violence in Southeast Asia: Transnational Challenges to States and Regional Stability:

Transnational Challenges to States and Regional Stability. Routledge.

Soré A (2023). 2023 Investment Climate Statements: Burkina Faso. Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

Soucy C (2021). La Françafrique est-elle chose du passé? La joute française au Sahel: implications et désillusions. Federalism-E 22(1):77-86.

Soumahoro M, Kinkoh H, Aikins ER, Louw-Vaudran L (2023). Enhancing the Peace and Security Council's response to the DRC. ISS Peace and Security Council Report 2023(155):8-10.

Sylvia IB (2023). Ethnicity and Armed Conflict in Ruzizi, Eastern Democratic Republic Of Congo. Doctoral dissertation, Kampala International University.

Thyne CL, Powell JM (2016). Coup d’état or coup d'Autocracy? How coups impact democratization, 1950–2008. Foreign policy analysis 12(2):192-213.

Tordoff W, Young RA (1999). The presidential election in gabon.

Tshileu N'Kolomona, O. I. (2002). State collapse in Africa: the case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Doctoral dissertation, Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University).

Umulisa Y (2020). Estimation of the East African community's trade benefits from promoting intra-regional trade. African Development Review 32(1):55-66.

Vandeginste S (2015). Burundi's electoral crisis–back to power-sharing politics s usual? African Affairs 114(457):624-636.

Vidmar HM (2015). The East African Community: Questions of Sovereignty, Regionalism, and Identity. Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio Stte University.

Vogel D (2024). Terrorism and Chad: Ethnicism, Mismanagement, and Great Power Influence. In Terrorism and political contention: New perspectives on North Africa and the Sahel region. Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland pp. 195-270.

Wekes B (2023). Geopolitics. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore. In Chia’s Footprint in East Africa: Pessimism versus Optimism pp. 63127.

Williams PD (2018). Fighting for peace in Somalia: A history and analysisof the African Union Mission (AMISOM), 2007-2017. . Oxford University Press.

Yoroms GJ (2022). The State, Security, and Intervention beyond West Africa: examining the arc of instability and conflict on the continent of Africa.

Yuksel A (2023). African solutions to African problems: An assessment of theAfrican Union (AU)'s policy implementation for peace and security in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2004.

Similar Articles

<< < 1 2 3 4 5 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.