The Resurgence of Military Coups and Democratic Relapse in Africa

This book presents the reality of democratic reversals and waves of coups cutting through Africa, explores the political economy of coups, and through a case study approach, provides a nuanced analysis of the negative impacts of coups in Africa and interrogates the roles of African regional organisations in curtailing coups and foreign powers in distorting the security architecture of African states, particularly in the Sahel region. It proffers sustainable policy templates for politicaldevelopment,professionalism of the military and the subsequent withdrawal of the military from African politics. Apart from its policy relevance, it will serve as a resource pool for researchers working in the area of African political development, peace and security, and security sector reforms. With the incremental exit of France from the Sahel, the book will also offer a nuanced perspective on the ‘scramble for the soul’ of the Sahel by non-Western powers, such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Dr Adeoye O. Akinola is Head of Research and Teaching, and Head of the African Union Studies Unit at the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation / Institute for Global African Affairs, University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He obtained a doctorate in Political Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. He was a Visiting Professor at the United Nations University for Peace (UPEACE) Africa Regional Programme in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and a Lecturer at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, between 2007-2012.