In the last few years, West Africa has seen several coups and attempted coups, and many people are wondering why it is happening so often. From Mali to Niger, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and now Benin, the region seems to be struggling with political stability.
Experts say the problem is not sudden — the signs have been building for years.
The latest incident took place in the Republic of Benin, where a small group of soldiers went on state TV to announce that they had removed President Patrice Talon. Their action only caused brief confusion. Security forces quickly moved in, arrested the plotters, and restored order.
A source close to the president dismissed the attempt, saying the soldiers were only “a small group of people who only control the television.” The source assured the public that, “The regular army is regaining control. The city (Cotonou) and the country are completely secure.”
Nigeria played a major part in stopping the coup. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) confirmed that it took part in operations in Benin under ECOWAS rules. Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame said, “The Nigerian Air Force has operated in the Republic of Benin in line with ECOWAS protocols and the ECOWAS Standby Force mandate.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later praised the Air Force for helping protect democracy in the region.
ECOWAS, the African Union, and several foreign governments all condemned the attempted takeover. The AU said it “unequivocally condemns” the incident, while ECOWAS called it an attack on the people’s will. Embassies from the US, France and others warned their citizens to stay alert.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said this rising trend is dangerous. He said, “I condemn, without reservation and in the strongest possible terms, the coup d’état in the Benin Republic. This reckless trend of assault on constitutional order is utterly unacceptable, not only because of its dangerous proximity, but because the era of military interference in governance is long over in Africa and our sub-region.
“Soldiers have no business anywhere outside their barracks, and every decisive measure must be taken to crush any emerging appetite for subverting democracy.”
What Is Really Causing the Rise in Coups?
Experts say the reasons are deeper than just ambitious soldiers.
1. Democracy Is Weak in Some Countries
Ambassador Suleiman Dahiru explained that in many West African countries, democracy has not grown strong enough to withstand pressure. Leaders sometimes refuse to step down, elections lose credibility, and people become frustrated.
He warned that until governments behave responsibly, “it’d be impossible not to have recurrence of change of governments through the gun barrel.”
2. ECOWAS Is Struggling
Another diplomat, Ambassador M.K. Ibrahim, said the constant coups show that ECOWAS is finding it hard to enforce democratic rules. He reminded that several member countries are already ruled by soldiers and some have even pulled out of the organisation.
He said, “Every coup is a setback to ECOWAS,” and insisted Nigeria must help the region remain united.
According to him, “If ECOWAS doesn’t succeed, each of the countries in the community will find it extremely difficult to survive alone.”
3. Poverty and Insecurity Make People Desperate
Across the Sahel, many communities face serious insecurity and hardship. Ibrahim noted that when people are suffering, they may accept any group — even the military — if they promise change.
4. Elections No Longer Inspire Trust
Dr Sa’idu Ahmad Dukawa of Bayero University, Kano, said many citizens want change but do not trust their electoral systems. When people believe their votes cannot remove bad leaders, they begin to see coups as the only remaining option.
He also pointed out that coups tend to spread: once one country succeeds, others are encouraged to try.
5. Failed Leadership Fuels Anger
Civil society leader Yunusa Ya’u said many people are losing patience because some leaders manipulate elections, change the constitution to stay in power, and ignore public complaints.
He said, “You have leaders who manipulate elections and cling to power by all means.”
Democracy Must Bring Real Benefits
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) added that democracy must start improving people’s lives. Many young people never experienced military rule and now feel democracy has not helped them. Without visible benefits, they may not feel committed to protecting it.
A Region at a Crossroads
Coups in places like Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau show that West Africa is facing a serious test. Although each country has its own story, the common causes are similar: weak institutions, insecurity, bad governance, and frustrated citizens.
Experts agree that if leaders respect the law, strengthen electoral systems, and govern responsibly, the appetite for coups will fade.
But if those problems continue, the region may keep seeing more military takeovers- just like the one recently stopped in Benin.
