This book presents the reality of democratic reversals and waves of coups cutting through
Africa, explores the political economy of coups, and through a case study
approach, provides a nuanced analysis of the negative impacts of coups in
Africa, and interrogates the roles of African regional organisations in
curtailing coups and foreign powers in distorting the security architecture of
African states, particularly in the Sahel region. It proffers sustainable
policy templates for political development, professionalism of the military,
and the subsequent withdrawal of the military from African politics. Apart from
its policy relevance, it will serve as a resource pool for researchers working
in the area of African political development, peace and security, and security
sector reforms. With the incremental exit of France from the Sahel, the book
will also offer a nuanced perspective on the ‘scramble for the soul’ of the
Sahel by non-Western powers, such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.