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Security Expert Attributes African Coups to Democratic Erosion and Power Entrenchment

In the wake of the recent coup in Gabon, Security Expert Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd) has shed light on the factors contributing to the prevalence of coups across various African nations.

He emphasizes that presidents who manipulate democratic processes, such as changing constitutions, suppressing opposition, and stifling public engagement, inadvertently create fertile ground for coup attempts within their countries.

Speaking on the GhanaTonight Show on TV3, Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd) explained that underlying triggers and structural factors play a crucial role in the occurrence of such events. He stated, “It is not a question of whether it is possible but it is a question of when.

So all the signs have been there in the case of Gabon as well as some other African countries that are toying with democracy, changing constitutions, entrenching themselves in power, repressing the opposition, and suppressing the public participation of popular participation in politics.”

The recent coup in Gabon underscores the fragility of political stability in some African nations. Army officers took to national television to announce their takeover, annulling the results of the recent presidential election in which incumbent President Ali Bongo was declared the winner.

This move would mark the end of the Bongo family’s 53-year rule in Gabon, a country known for its significant oil production and extensive forest cover.

The coup in Gabon is one among several that have unfolded in the past three years across former French colonies in Africa. While these coups are dispersed across the region, they share a common thread – the erosion of democratic values and institutions coupled with mounting grievances from citizens.

In certain regions, an Islamist insurgency has further fueled dissatisfaction, accusing elected governments of failing to protect civilian populations.

The soldiers who orchestrated the Gabonese coup have identified themselves as the Committee of Transition and the Restoration of Institutions, representing the country’s security and defense forces. They cited concerns about “irresponsible, unpredictable governance” that has eroded social cohesion, thereby pushing the nation towards chaos.

The aftermath of the coup saw a flurry of loud gunfire in the capital, Libreville, illustrating the tense and volatile nature of political transitions. The situation in Gabon serves as a stark reminder of the intricate interplay between political leadership, democratic values, and societal stability in African nations.

As the region grapples with a delicate balance between governance, security, and democratic principles, experts like Colonel Festus Aboagye (Rtd) stress the importance of cultivating transparent and participatory political environments to avert the potential for further coup attempts.