ALBAWABA- Africa, long a stage for colonial exploitation, remains at the center of global power struggles. For centuries, countries like France, the U.S., Italy, and the U.K. dominated its vast resources, often perpetuating instability through proxy regimes and conflicts. This cycle of foreign interference left Africa politically fragile and economically impoverished.
In recent years, however, the continent has undergone a striking transformation. The waning influence of Western powers, particularly France, coincides with Africa's pivot toward alliances with Eastern powers like Russia and China, alongside growing involvement from regional players such as Turkey and Iran.
A wave of military coups across the continent has marked this political realignment. Since 2020, countries including Burkina Faso, Mali, Guinea, Chad, Niger, Gabon, and Sudan have witnessed dramatic leadership changes, signaling a rejection of Western dominance and a redefinition of Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
The past five years have seen a series of coups that highlight this shift:
Mali: Two coups in nine months ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita in 2020 and his transitional government in 2021, with Colonel Assimi Goïta assuming leadership.
Guinea: In 2021, the military removed President Alpha Condé, pledging a return to civilian rule by 2024.
Sudan: A 2021 coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved the transitional government, plunging the country into ongoing conflict.
Burkina Faso: Two coups in 2022 replaced civilian leadership, with Captain Ibrahim Traoré now leading a transitional government.
Niger and Gabon: In 2023, military juntas toppled civilian governments, further diminishing Western influence in the region.
These upheavals reflect widespread dissatisfaction with governance failures, persistent insecurity, and entrenched elites.
Simultaneously, the decline of Western influence has opened pathways for African nations to seek alternative alliances, enabling them to challenge unipolar dominance and explore a multipolar global order.
