By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Shore AfricaShore AfricaShore Africa
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
  • Hot News
  • Tourism
  • Entertainment
  • Business
  • Luxury
  • Exclusive
  • Sports
  • Technology
Reading: 10 major Coups in Africa that shocked the world
Share
Font ResizerAa
Shore AfricaShore Africa
Search
  • Hot News
  • Tourism
  • Entertainment
  • Business
  • Luxury
  • Exclusive
  • Sports
  • Technology
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
Shore Africa > Hot news > Exclusive > 10 major Coups in Africa that shocked the world
Burkina Faso's Military
ExclusiveHot News

10 major Coups in Africa that shocked the world

Africa’s coup belt tells a turbulent story of power grabs and broken democracies.

Timilehin Adejumobi
Last updated: August 19, 2025 12:16 pm
Timilehin Adejumobi Published August 19, 2025
Share
Burkina Faso's Military
SHARE

At a Glance


  • Coups have repeatedly toppled African leaders, fueling instability across fragile democracies.
  • From Togo in 1963 to Niger in 2023, coups reshaped Africa’s coup belt.
  • Military takeovers often derail democracy, sparking unrest and authoritarian rule.

Military coups have repeatedly redrawn Africa’s political map, disrupting fragile democracies, fueling instability, and sparking global concern about the continent’s governance.

From the first coup in Togo in 1963 to Niger’s dramatic military takeover in 2023, these seismic events have shaped Africa’s so-called “coup belt,” stretching across West Africa and the Sahel.

For decades, power grabs have toppled presidents, torn apart constitutions, and set nations on paths marked by authoritarian rule, economic decline, or prolonged unrest.

While some coups were hailed as corrections to corruption and misrule, most became turning points that deepened instability and stalled democratic progress.

Here are 10 major coups in Africa that shocked the world and reshaped the continent’s political future, compiled by Shore.Africa.

Togo – 1963: The First Coup of Post-Colonial Africa

On January 13, 1963, President Sylvanus Olympio was assassinated in Lomé, marking Africa’s first post-independence coup.

Army officers swiftly replaced him with Nicolas Grunitzky, exposing the vulnerability of newly independent African states.

Togo  Coup

Uganda – 1971: Rise of Idi Amin

On January 25, while President Milton Obote was abroad, Commander Idi Amin seized power. His eight-year reign became infamous for mass killings, corruption, and repression—cementing his reputation as one of history’s most feared dictators.

Commander Idi Amin

Sierra Leone – 1968: The Sergeants’ Coup

A faction of junior officers led by Brigadier John Amadu Bangura ousted Juxon-Smith on April 18, reinstating Siaka Stevens. But the “corrective” coup soon gave way to decades of one-party dominance and deep political instability.

Sierra Leone Coup

Equatorial Guinea – 1979: Obiang Overthrows the Tyrant

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo ousted his uncle Francisco Macías Nguema in a bloody coup that ended a reign of terror. Obiang’s takeover launched one of the world’s longest-running regimes—still in power today.

Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo

The Gambia – 1994: End of West Africa’s Longest Democracy

Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh seized power on July 22, toppling Dawda Jawara’s long-standing civilian government. The coup ended Africa’s oldest multiparty democracy and ushered in 22 years of authoritarian rule.

The Gambia 1994 Coup

Mali – 2020 & 2021: Two Coups in Quick Succession

Security failures and popular discontent triggered a mutiny on August 18, 2020, removing President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Less than a year later, Colonel Assimi Goïta staged a second coup, cementing Mali’s role at the heart of Africa’s “coup belt.”

Mali  2020 Coup

Sudan – 2019 & 2021: Revolution Meets Military Rule

Mass protests ousted Omar al-Bashir in April 2019, ending decades of dictatorship. But a fragile civilian-military partnership collapsed in October 2021, when General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan dissolved the transitional council, plunging Sudan back into crisis.

Sudan  2019 Coup

Guinea – 2021: Coup Over Constitutional Overreach

On September 5, special forces removed President Alpha Condé after he controversially changed the constitution to extend his rule. The coup highlighted growing regional anger over entrenched leaders clinging to power.

Guinea  2021 Coup

Burkina Faso – 2022: A Coup within a Coup

In January, soldiers ousted President Roch Kaboré over worsening jihadist violence. Nine months later, Captain Ibrahim Traoré staged a counter-coup, escalating political turmoil in one of Africa’s most unstable states.

Burkina Faso  2022 Coup

Niger – 2023: Democracy Interrupted

On July 26, President Mohamed Bazoum was deposed in a swift takeover that drew global condemnation. The coup dealt a heavy blow to Western-backed counterterrorism efforts and reinforced Niger’s place in Africa’s volatile coup belt.

Niger 2023 Coup

You Might Also Like

Top 10 largest mergers & acquisitions in Africa that shaped the market

10 biggest farms in South Africa

Why Africa’s projected 4.2% growth in 2025 is a turning point for the continent

How Basketmouth turned Flatmates into a MultiChoice hit — and redefined Nigerian comedy

7 African nations on Trump’s travel ban radar

TAGGED:Africa coups historyAfrica political instabilityEquatorial GuineaTeodoro Obiang Nguema MbasogoTogo first African coup 1963
Share This Article
Facebook X Email Print

Follow US

Find US on Social Medias
FacebookLike
XFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
LinkedInFollow

Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Popular News
DoubleTree Mangroovy El Gouna
Hot NewsLuxury

DoubleTree Mangroovy El Gouna: Red Sea luxury escape in Egypt

Feyisayo Ajayi Feyisayo Ajayi May 29, 2025
Dubai Royal’s $50,000-a-night resort flaunts Africa’s future in luxury travel
Coronation Fund Managers hits $36.62 billion in assets under management
Hilton Hotel in Cairo’s Maadi district offers luxury stays with panoramic Nile views
Top 10 biggest gold-producers in Africa
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Global Coronavirus Cases

Confirmed

0

Death

0

More Information:Covid-19 Statistics
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image
Burkina Faso's Military
ExclusiveHot News

10 major Coups in Africa that shocked the world

Power grabs across Africa’s coup belt expose the continent’s fragile governance.

Timilehin Adejumobi Timilehin Adejumobi August 19, 2025
South African contractor Aveng swings to loss of $55.2 million as infrastructure drags in 2025
BusinessHot News

South African contractor Aveng swings to loss of $55.2 million as infrastructure drags in 2025

Aveng swung to a AUD92.3 million ($59.94 million) loss in FY2025 as weaker infrastructure markets hit revenue despite stronger cash…

Feyisayo Ajayi Feyisayo Ajayi August 18, 2025
1XBET
BusinessSports

10 leading online betting companies dominating Africa’s market

Football fuels Africa’s fast-growing online betting industry across key markets.

Timilehin Adejumobi Timilehin Adejumobi August 18, 2025
Co-op Bank Kenya half-year profit hits $109.1 million
BusinessHot News

Co-op Bank Kenya half-year profit hits $109.1 million

Co-op Bank of Kenya posted $109.1 million H1 profit, lifted by digital growth, asset expansion, and strong shareholder returns.

Feyisayo Ajayi Feyisayo Ajayi August 18, 2025
UBA_house_Marina
BusinessHot News

UBA, BoI unveil $3.3 million fund to boost female entrepreneurs

The initiative, backed by the Federal Government’s MSME Fund, aims to stimulate economic growth by offering affordable financing for micro,…

Timilehin Adejumobi Timilehin Adejumobi August 18, 2025
Burkina Faso's Military
ExclusiveHot News

10 major Coups in Africa that shocked the world

Timilehin Adejumobi Timilehin Adejumobi August 19, 2025
South African contractor Aveng swings to loss of $55.2 million as infrastructure drags in 2025
BusinessHot News

South African contractor Aveng swings to loss of $55.2 million as infrastructure drags in 2025

Feyisayo Ajayi Feyisayo Ajayi August 18, 2025
1XBET
BusinessSports

10 leading online betting companies dominating Africa’s market

Timilehin Adejumobi Timilehin Adejumobi August 18, 2025

Categories

  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Exclusives
  • Hot News
  • Luxury
  • Tourism

About US

A premier digital news platform spotlighting Africa’s top companies, business leaders, athletes, musicians, brands, and luxury destinations.

Our Team

Subscribe US

Shore.Africa is owned by Travel Shore, the media brand behind Shore Africa. Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly.

Feyisayo Ajayi 313 Articles
Feyisayo Ajayi is the Publisher and Co-founder of Shore Africa, the flagship media brand under the Travel Shore umbrella. He brings over a decade of multidisciplinary experience across media, finance, and technology. Feyisayo holds a bachelor’s degree in Geology from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Omokolade Ajayi 85 Articles
Timilehin Adejumobi 219 Articles
Oluwatosin Alao 42 Articles
© Shore Africa All Rights Reserved.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?