Democratic decline and instability in Africa

Political stability in Africa has faced significant challenges due to a transition from traditional military coups to new forms of digital influence. Following military takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, the African Union suspended these nations. In response, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States and withdrew from ECOWAS in early 2025.

The 2026 Global State of Democracy report highlights a broader decline in democratic performance across Africa and West Asia between 2020 and 2025, noting 106 significant declines compared to 53 advances. This decline is attributed to armed conflict, military coups, and restricted elections, with judicial independence weakening more in Africa than in any other region.

Specific instances of democratic erosion include the entrenchment of military rule in Burkina Faso and Niger, state repression and press freedom attacks in Togo, and significant post-election violence in Tanzania. In Tanzania, the 2025 election involved internet shutdowns, violence against journalists, and the abduction of opposition figures, resulting in an estimated 700 deaths.