US Reluctance to Punish Coups in Africa Raises Concerns
Washington D.C. - A Trend of Inaction
The United States has been hesitant to impose significant penalties on African countries that have experienced military coups, a trend that is raising concerns among international observers.
A Contrasting Approach
In recent years, the US has been criticized for its lack of decisive action in response to unconstitutional takeovers, particularly in Mali and Chad. This contrasts with the principled responses of past decades when the US was more likely to impose sanctions or withdraw aid in response to military coups.
The Latest Example: Guinea
The most recent example is Guinea, where 37-year-old Colonel Mamady Doumbouya seized power on September 5, citing corruption and economic stagnation. While the ECOWAS regional body suspended Guinea from its membership, the US has so far only imposed limited sanctions, including a freeze on certain assets and a ban on issuing visas to high-ranking officials.
Expert Insights
Experts say that this lack of decisive action sends a dangerous message to military leaders in other African countries who may be considering coups. “The international community needs to act more decisively to anticipate and respond to this alarming trend,” said Judd Devermont, director of the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
The Need for Stronger Action
Devermont argues that the US and its partners need to take a stronger stance against military coups and support democratic transitions. “The growing gap between neighboring countries, regional bodies, and foreign governments has enabled authoritarian rulers and coup leaders to forum shop and undercut more forceful responses,” he said.
Other Examples of Inaction
- In Mali, Colonel Assimi Goïta seized power in August 2020 and has since failed to submit a draft constitution or conduct voter registration, missing several deadlines.
- In Chad, Mahamat Idriss Déby assumed control after his father’s death on the battlefield in April 2020 and has promised an 18-month military-led transition.
Criticism of US Response
The US response to these coups has been criticized for being too soft. “The international community has been meek in responding to problematic elections in Benin, ambivalent in tackling corruption in Mali, and uneven about term limits in Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire,” said Devermont. “This regression has set the conditions for soldiers to seize power or at least use it as pretext for military action.”
Pressure on the US Government
The US government is under pressure to take a stronger stance on democratic backsliding in Africa. President Biden’s Summit for Democracy could be an opportunity for the US to develop a new repertoire of responses to antidemocratic actions and coups d’état in the region.
Warnings from Experts
In the meantime, experts warn that the lack of decisive action by the international community will only embolden military leaders to seize power and undermine democratic institutions.