The Culture of Increasing Coups D’États in Africa and its Implications on Democratic Institutions

Coups d’état have been prevalent in different countries globally. However,
Africa has been the most affected, leading to significant consequences for
its socio-economic growth and democratic governance. In the last few
years, the frequency of coups d’état has increased, thus compromising
the progress of making the continent more democratic and peaceful. This
paper set out to investigate the culture of increasing coups d’état in Africa
and its implications on democratic institutions. Underpinned by the
Modernization theory, the study adopted a qualitative method. The unit
of analysis was based on interviews and secondary sources. The study
explores the various types of coups d’état and the reasons for the coups
d’état in Africa. Results proved that leaders who have stayed in power for
too long attempt unconstitutional changes to the constitutions which
later result in the unconstitutional ousting of them. The study also found
out that the Militarisation of Politics and entrenchment of guns have
accounted for increasing coup d’etat in Africa of recent. The study
therefore concludes that Africa needs to have stronger institutions than
stronger men for their democratic process to be stronger and
recommends that military juntas should call for democratic elections as
fast as possible to enable a peaceful transition

Keywords: Coup d’état, Democratic Institutions, Culture, Africa