coups

ADF STAFF Senegalese President Macky Sall’s announcement in July that he would not seek a third term in office was met with a mix of relief and pride in a country known for its democratic traditions. “A time bomb was just deactivated,”…

ADF STAFF In the immediate aftermath of the Niger military coup in late July, Russia’s formal and informal responses were at odds. The Kremlin’s spokesperson called for the immediate release of detained Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum…

ADF STAFF In the early hours of August 29, Gabonese authorities announced that President Ali Bongo had won a disputed election that gave him a controversial third term. Gyldas A. Ofoulhast-Othamot, assistant professor of political science…

ADF STAFF As recent military coups have swept aside civilian governments from Guinea to Sudan, one question lingers: When will those countries return to civilian or democratic rule? The answer, experts say, depends on how determined the…

ADF STAFF The military junta that overthrew Niger’s democratically elected president claimed it was necessary to stop the extremist violence affecting that country and its Sahel neighbors. A few weeks later, 17 Nigerien soldiers died in an…

ADF STAFF As the world tries to understand what led to the coup in Niger, one factor continues to face scrutiny: ethnicity. Throughout the continent’s history, coups have been closely linked to ethnic grievances. This is particularly…

ADF STAFF In little more than two years, Niger has exemplified the power of presidential security forces — and what can happen when that power is unchecked. In March 2021, Niger’s presidential guard quelled an attempted coup by elements…

ADF STAFF There was no surprise when military junta leaders in Niger reached out to Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group for help just days after overthrowing a democratically elected government and suspending the country’s constitution.…

ADF STAFF As Niger’s military junta has held the deposed president in isolation, the country has become increasingly isolated by the international community — one of the many consequences of unconstitutionally seizing power. Nigerien…

ADF STAFF Members of the Malian armed forces and Russian Wagner Group mercenaries reportedly are sowing terror and committing “grave human rights abuses.” The reports of atrocities come from multiple sources: a United Nations panel of…