The recent spate of coups in countries such as Burkina Faso, Gabon, Mali, Niger, and Sudan has raised the question about how the military governs when it is in power. Can armies perform better when it comes to political stability, security and providing services? Are they more effective and efficient? And what are the risks to democracy and human rights?
DiA’s Nic Cheeseman (aka @fromagehomme) has written a new column on the record of the military in Africa that answers all these questions and more.
He argues that “The outward appearance of civilian rule should therefore not blind us to the stark reality that the return of armies to power represents a profound threat to human rights, stability and development in West Africa – and beyond.”
To read the article in full, click here.
