Democratic Deficit and Resurgence of Military Coups: An Assessment of Regional Insecurity in Africa.

The article examines the recent resurgence of military coups in Africa through the lens of a democracy deficit and the theory of inverted legitimacy, which posits that governments lacking domestic legitimacy rely on military force to maintain power, thereby fostering chronic instability. By comparing case studies from Mali, Gabon, and Guinea—countries with low democracy index scores and histories of coups since 2020—the research highlights how flawed electoral processes, corruption, dynastic or one-person rule, and weak democratic institutions contribute to government illegitimacy and insecurity. The study finds that such democratic deficiencies create environments conducive to coups, which, although sometimes supported by populations frustrated with failed governance, remain illegal and often fail to bring positive change. It concludes that regional bodies like the African Union should actively enforce norms and sanctions to disrupt the cycle of democracy deficits and military takeovers on the continent.