The recent foiled coup attempt in Nigeria serves as a stark warning for West Africa. Soldiers plotted to overturn decades of civilian rule, underscoring a dangerous resurgence of military interventions in the region. This mirrors a trend where successful coups in neighboring states have emboldened copycats, with attempts following in Benin and Guinea-Bissau.
The drivers are familiar: disputed elections, entrenched leaders, poor governance, and a large pool of disgruntled youth. While Nigeria’s plot was thwarted and officers arrested, the mere attempt in Africa’s largest democracy signals deep instability. It reveals that the continent’s “coup belt” is still expanding, threatening democratic foundations across the region. The alarm is sounding once more.
