Democracy and military coups in Africa: institutional challenges and the legacy of colonialism in Burkina Faso

Gwinyai Regis Taruvinga

Chapter 11 in The Elgar Companion to Democracy and Development in Africa, 2026, pp 193-208 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: A major threat to democracy in Africa is the prevalence of military coups, which have repeatedly occurred in countries like Burkina Faso and Mali. This chapter argues that the frequent occurrence of military coups is rooted in the failure of African leaders and institutions to uphold democratic principles, especially in maintaining accountability. Using Burkina Faso as a case study, the chapter first examines the legacy of colonial institutions in Africa, which were designed to marginalise, and their influence on contemporary African democracy. It then explores the link between military coups and democratic decline. The chapter demonstrates how institutional weaknesses create conditions suitable for military intervention. Employing a qualitative research approach, this chapter draws on books, journal articles, and newspaper reports to analyse these dynamics, providing insights into the complex relationship between democracy and military power in Africa.

Keywords: Burkina Faso; Democracy; Military Coups; Social Contract (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035348176
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