• Benin coup attempt adds to growing list of military takeovers across Africa
• Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau among affected states
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• Coups driven by political tension, disputed elections, jihadist violence and governance failures
A military coup attempt in the Republic of Benin on Sunday has added the West African nation to a growing list of countries that have experienced armed takeovers in the last five years.
Soldiers announced that President Patrice Talon had been removed, though his aides said he remained safe and loyalist forces were regaining control.
Below is a breakdown of the successful coups recorded across the continent:
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MALI
Mali has witnessed two military takeovers led by Colonel Assimi Goïta.
In August 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was removed by a group of army colonels.
A second coup followed in May 2021, with Goïta later sworn in as transitional president.
Although elections were initially scheduled for February 2024, the junta postponed them indefinitely, citing insecurity.
In July 2025, Goïta approved a law granting himself a renewable five-year mandate, further entrenching military rule.
GUINEA
On September 5, 2021, Lieutenant-Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led troops that arrested President Alpha Condé.
Doumbouya has since submitted his candidacy for the December 28, 2025 elections aimed at restoring civilian rule.
SUDAN
Following tension between civilian and military leaders after the ouster of Omar al-Bashir, army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan seized power on October 25, 2021.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in war between the regular army and the Rapid Support Forces led by Mohammed Hamdan Daglo, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
BURKINA FASO
The country witnessed two coups in 2022.
In January, Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba ousted President Roch Marc Christian Kabore.
He was later pushed out in September by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who became transitional leader.
In May 2024, the junta extended Traoré’s rule by another five years, amid persistent Islamist attacks.
NIGER
On July 26, 2023, the presidential guard removed President Mohamed Bazoum.
General Abdourahamane Tiani assumed power and, in March 2025, extended the transition by at least five years.
GABON
On August 30, 2023, military officers removed President Ali Bongo Ondimba shortly after he was declared winner of a disputed election.
General Brice Oligui Nguema became transitional leader and was elected president in April 2025 under a newly approved constitution.
MADAGASCAR
In October 2025, the military ousted President Andry Rajoelina following weeks of youth-led protests.
Colonel Michael Randrianirina was sworn in as leader, promising elections within 18 to 24 months.
GUINEA-BISSAU
In November 2025, military officers declared full control of the country, closed borders and suspended the electoral process three days after general elections.
A joint command of the armed forces is currently governing the country “until further notice.”
