Coups In Africa: Are They All Bad? Part 1

The coup in Gabon on Sept.1, 2023 brings to seven the number of military takeovers in Africa since the one in Mali in August 2000. Prior to Gabon, the world’s attention was focused on Niger, following the July 26 coup and the threat by regional organization the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to use military force to restore the civilian president Mohammed Bazoum.
In a recent article, Niger's Coup D'état Amidst Africa's Complexities: Leadership, Geopolitics, and Pathways to Progress, veteran journalist Mamadou Niang, said, “It is unusual for a coup d’état in Africa to grab the global headlines and galvanize Western political centers.” Mr. Niang underscored that there are several reasons to explain why this moment is different, “Niger is an important geo-strategic mass of 49,000 square miles, that’s almost twice as large as the state of Texas, it is rich in Uranium, abundantly coveted by Europeans for their nuclear power plants, and it’s a convenient base for anti-terrorists activities for the United States and France.”
Global Media Productions convened UNGA SIDE EVENT UPTOWN in collaboration with Black Star News and the Bronx Community College to discuss the recent coups in Africa and the future of democracy on the continent. The sideline event coincided with the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The panelists include, Milton Allimadi, Publisher Black Star News and Adjunct Professor Africana Studies John Jay College and Journalism, Columbia University. Mamadou Niang, Veteran Journalist, Managing Director, NextMedia Inc. and Gnaka Lagoke, Professor of History and Pan African Studies, Lincoln University. Journalist, Bukola Shonuga was Moderator, Anthony Afolo was Coordinator/Host and Tracy Dao provided tech support.