In the years 2021–2022, Africa witnessed a significant rise in military coups and attempts with six successful coups and two failed attempts. This surge in unconstitutional changes of government (UCG) deviated from the previous decade’s trends and underscores the need to better understand the underlying socio-economic structural drivers of this trend and pathways for redressing them.

The UNDP flagship report, “Soldiers and Citizens: Military Coups and the Need for Democratic Renewal in Africa,” examines the recent surge in military coups and unconstitutional changes of government in Africa. The report provides a forward-looking perspective, aiming to prevent further coups and explore opportunities for transformative change and sustained constitutional order in countries affected by coups.
 
It explores how to center development in important long-term measures like security sector reform and tailored regional and international responses like sanctions and suspensions from regional bodies. The study finds that persistent insecurity, stagnant growth, and exclusionary economic governance – as well as low development indicators – are associated with higher coup risk.

Read more about the report in English or French

Read the full report in English [PDF]

About the Publisher

The United Nations Development Programme is a United Nations agency tasked with helping countries eliminate poverty and achieve sustainable economic growth and human development. The UNDP emphasizes developing local capacity towards long-term self-sufficiency and prosperity.

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