Abstract This study offers a comprehensive analysis of military coups in postcolonial Africa, examining their frequency, structural causes, and evolving geopolitical implications. Drawing on historical data and case studies from Egypt, Sudan, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and other countries, the article examines the intersection of domestic political failures, socioeconomic grievances, ethnic tensions, and international interventions. It highlights how military actors often exploit governance vacuums and legitimacy crises to justify seizures of power. The role of global powers—including Cold War‐era Soviet influence, Islamist alignments, and contemporary involvement by Russia and China—is critically examined, revealing how external backing continues to shape postcoup trajectories. While some recent coups have garnered widespread support, they frequently entrench authoritarian rule and delay democratic transitions. The study assesses regional and international responses, particularly the African Union's interventions, and highlights the significance of transitional justice and institutional resilience. It argues that durable democratization requires a holistic approach combining local reforms, regional solidarity, and principled global engagement.
Salameh et al. (2025) studied this question.