• Since 2020, 11 military takeovers have occurred, the highest number in any comparable period since the Cold War

ISTANBUL

In 2025, constitutional governance across parts of Africa came under renewed strain as military forces intervened in political turmoil from the Indian Ocean to the Atlantic, with two coups succeeding and one failing.

These developments unfolded against a stark backdrop. Since 2020, 11 military takeovers have overthrown governments across the continent – the highest number in any comparable period since the end of the Cold War.

From Madagascar to Guinea-Bissau and Benin, each episode followed its own trajectory when elections were contested, institutions were strained and public frustration had spilled into the streets.

Madagascar: Oct. 14

Madagascar plunged into a constitutional crisis after an elite army unit, the Army Personnel Administration Center (CAPSAT), seized power following weeks of youth-led anti-government protests. The unrest began in late September over shortages of water and electricity, poverty and alleged corruption, with demonstrators demanding President Andry Rajoelina’s resignation.

The situation escalated when CAPSAT troops openly sided with protesters and accused the government of driving the country toward collapse. Rajoelina denounced what he called an “illegal attempt to seize power,” but CAPSAT moved to assert control, announcing that all military orders would originate from its headquarters.

After Rajoelina dissolved parliament, lawmakers convened and passed a motion to impeach him. CAPSAT forces entered the presidential palace on Oct. 14, suspending the constitution and declaring a two-year transition. Col. Michael Randrianirina, the unit’s leader, said the presidency would be collectively assumed by military officers and that key institutions were suspended.

The High Constitutional Court later declared the presidency vacant, citing Rajoelina’s absence from the country, and invited Randrianirina to act as head of state and organize elections. Randrianirina was sworn in as interim president, pledging reforms and a new constitution.

The takeover was condemned internationally. The UN expressed concern over the unconstitutional change of power, while the African Union suspended Madagascar’s membership. The Southern African Development Community regional bloc urged restraint, dialogue and a return to constitutional order as the country entered a new, uncertain transition period.

Guinea-Bissau: Nov. 26

Guinea-Bissau saw its constitutional order disrupted after a military coup erupted in the aftermath of a disputed presidential election, marked by gunfire near the presidential palace in the capital, Bissau. Tensions flared when two camps, incumbent President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and rival candidate Fernando Dias, both claimed victory following the Nov. 23 vote, before official results were announced.

On Nov. 26, shots were heard around the presidential palace and the electoral commission, as soldiers moved to seize control. Embalo later said he was arrested at the palace alongside senior officials, describing the events as a coup led by elements of the armed forces. The military soon announced it was suspending the electoral process, canceling election results, shutting borders and imposing a curfew.

A group of officers calling itself the “High Military Command for the Restoration of National Security and Public Order” declared it had assumed full state powers, citing an alleged plot to destabilize the country and manipulate election results. Media broadcasts were suspended and key institutions closed.

Embalo fled the country, later reaching Senegal and then reportedly the Republic of Congo. Gen. Horta Inta-A was named the transitional president following the takeover.

The coup drew swift international condemnation. The UN, AU and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) denounced the unconstitutional seizure of power, suspended Guinea-Bissau from regional bodies and demanded the release of detainees, restoration of constitutional order and resumption of the electoral process, as mediation efforts continue.

Benin: Dec. 7

Benin was briefly destabilized by a failed coup attempt after a small group of soldiers sought to overthrow the constitutional order. The attempt unfolded on Dec. 7 when mutinous troops appeared on state television claiming they had removed President Patrice Talon from power, suspended the constitution and dissolved state institutions.

The group announced the formation of a so-called Military Committee for Refoundation, naming Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri as its leader, and declared the closure of Benin’s borders. Gunshots were reported near Camp Guezo in Cotonou, close to the presidential residence, triggering security alerts from foreign embassies and calls for residents to remain indoors.

Authorities quickly moved to contain the situation. Interior Minister Alassane Seidou said the plot, led by “a small group of soldiers,” was foiled by armed forces loyal to the government. Talon later confirmed that control had been restored and vowed accountability for those involved.

Reports said Tigri fled to neighboring Togo after the failed attempt.

Regional support played a role in stabilizing the situation. ECOWAS condemned the attempt and pledged full backing for Benin’s constitutional order, while Nigeria provided military assistance at Benin’s request, including air surveillance and deployment to secure strategic institutions.

The situation was brought under control within hours, but the incident renewed concerns over coup risks in West Africa, a region facing repeated military challenges to democratic governance.