Seven African Countries Currently Under Military Rule

Military coups have seen a sharp resurgence across Africa in recent years, with several nations now governed by transitional military authorities. As of 2025, seven African countries are officially under military rule, raising deep concerns about democratic backsliding and long-term regional stability. These countries are grappling with security threats, political unrest, and citizen distrust, often cited by the military to justify their takeover. Below is an overview of the seven nations currently governed by military juntas.

1. Mali

Mali has experienced ongoing political instability since its first coup in 2020. Colonel Assimi Goïta, now the interim president, took power again in 2021 after ousting transitional leaders. Since then, the military government has delayed elections multiple times, citing persistent threats from Islamist insurgents. The country has also severed longstanding military ties with France and aligned itself more closely with Russia for defense cooperation.

2. Burkina Faso

In less than one year, Burkina Faso saw two military coups. The first came in January 2022, when President Roch Kaboré was ousted. By September that year, Captain Ibrahim Traoré led a second coup against his predecessor, citing the government's inability to quell jihadist violence. The current regime has centralized power, expelled foreign troops, and deepened relations with Russia and other non-Western allies.

3. Niger

July 2023 marked another blow to democratic governance in West Africa when Niger’s presidential guard removed President Mohamed Bazoum. General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the coup leader, has since established a military-led transitional government. Although regional blocs called for a return to civilian rule, the junta has extended its timeline, raising fears of prolonged military dominance.

4. Guinea

Guinea’s military took over in September 2021, with Colonel Mamady Doumbouya overthrowing long-time President Alpha Condé. The coup was widely condemned, but it followed months of unrest over Condé’s controversial third-term bid. The junta suspended political parties and institutions, vowing to restore order and democracy, although meaningful progress remains limited.

5. Sudan

Sudan's political landscape deteriorated rapidly following an attempted transition to civilian governance. A fragile power-sharing agreement collapsed, and since April 2023, the country has been plunged into civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The SAF, led by General Abdel-Fattah Burhan, claims control, while the RSF declared a rival government in 2025, leaving the nation effectively split under two armed authorities.

6. Chad

After the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021, his son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, assumed control through a transitional military council. Despite initial pledges to organize democratic elections, the timeline has been repeatedly extended. Civil liberties are limited under the military-led government, and political opposition remains heavily suppressed.

7. Gabon

Gabon’s military coup in August 2023 came shortly after the re-election of President Ali Bongo, whose family had ruled for over five decades. The coup leaders, led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, cited electoral fraud and national mismanagement as justification. While they promised a democratic transition, many observers view the current regime as consolidating military control rather than genuinely preparing for elections.