Africa has recorded more coups and attempted coups than any other region in the world. Since 1950, about 45 out of 54 African countries have faced at least one attempt to overthrow their government, highlighting deep-rooted governance gaps, economic pressures, and fragile state institutions.

Historical data from various international research bodies shows that around 36 African countries have experienced at least one successful coup, with many more encountering failed attempts.

Below is a detailed look at the African countries that have experienced coups or attempted coups:

Sudan

Sudan has the highest number of coups on the continent, with over 17 attempts since 1956. Military takeovers often follow political crises, including the 2021 ousting of Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

Burkina Faso

Multiple coups occurred in 1980, 1982, 1983, and 2015, driven partly by internal power struggles and regional insecurity.

Mali

Mali has witnessed coups in 1968, 1991, 2012, 2020, and 2021, commonly triggered by governance failures and insurgency-related frustration.

Niger

Niger’s coups in 1996, 1999, 2010, and 2023 reflect persistent political instability and weak state institutions.

Guinea

Guinea saw major coups in 1984, 2008, and 2021, each reshaping leadership amid public protests and contested transitions.

Guinea-Bissau

One of West Africa’s most volatile nations, Guinea-Bissau has suffered numerous coups and attempts since its independence.

Nigeria

Nigeria experienced a chain of coups between 1966 and 1993, placing the military at the center of politics until democratic rule returned in 1999.

Chad

Chad has a history of coups and political assassinations, including the 1990 overthrow of Hissène Habré by Idriss Déby.

Central African Republic

The CAR faced coups in 1965, 1981, 2003, and 2013, largely driven by military rebellions and chronic instability.

Burundi

Coups in 1966, 1976, and 1996 were heavily influenced by ethnic tensions and political power struggles.

Sierra Leone

Coups in 1967, 1968, and 1992 were tied to dissatisfaction with governance and military power contests.

Ghana

Ghana witnessed coups in 1966, 1972, 1978, and 1981, with military rule prominent until stable democracy emerged.

Libya

Muammar Gaddafi’s 1969 coup overthrew King Idris and ushered in decades of authoritarian rule.

Gabon

Gabon experienced a failed coup in 1964 and a successful one in 2023, showing that even stable nations are not immune.

Egypt

Egypt saw the landmark 1952 Free Officers coup that ended the monarchy. In 2013, the military again intervened to remove President Mohamed Morsi.

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Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s 2017 military intervention forced Robert Mugabe to resign after 37 years in power.

Mauritania

Mauritania experienced repeated military takeovers in 1978, 1984, 2005, and 2008, reflecting internal leadership battles.

Togo

Togo’s coups include the 1963 killing of President Sylvanus Olympio and the 1967 takeover that set the stage for long-term authoritarian rule.

Angola

Angola witnessed attempted coups in the 1970s, particularly during the civil war period as rival groups fought for control.

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