The role of coups d’état in Africa: Why coups occur and their effects on the populace

Abstract

AbstractScholars and researchers have debated the impact of coups d’état on African nations since the first coup in West Africa, in 1963, toppled the Sylvanus Olympio government in Togo. In the current paper, we employ a potpourri of theoretical frameworks – legitimacy, democratic and political instability, justice as fairness, rational choice and deterrence – to explain why coups occur, their effects on the general population and how they can be curbed. Three research questions were addressed in this study: (1) What are coups and why do they occur? (2) Do coups represent basic characteristics of goodwill towards the collective good of the people? (3) What measures can be put in place to prevent coups? In answering the first question, we considered several factors: Coups may occur when attempts are made to ‘diversify’ militaries entrenched with disproportionate representation by certain tribes in the nation‐state; when the ruling government is civilian, rather than military; and when political and institutional structures are weak. To answer the second question, we examined the concept of altruism. We determined that if the regimes being dislodged from power were unelected or seen as too tyrannical, coups may be deemed to serve an altruistic purpose. To answer the last research question, we examined the viability of both economic and diplomatic sanctions. Our study was not without limitations. A more comprehensive understanding of coups requires a holistic approach which would comprise both qualitative and quantitative strategies. We also provide directives for future research.