As of early 2026, at least seven African countries remain under military rule following a wave of coups since 2020. This trend, often called Africa's "coup belt," has destabilized the Sahel region and beyond, with juntas citing security crises, economic woes, and governance failures as reasons for seizing power.

Countries Under Military Rule

Recent reports consistently highlight these nations, where elected leaders were ousted by armed forces:

Country| Coup Date(s)| Leader/Status
---|---|---
Burkina Faso| Jan 2022| Ibrahim Traoré; extended transition
Chad| Apr 2021| Mahamat Idriss Déby; ongoing rule
Guinea| Sep 2021| Transitional junta; delayed elections
Mali| Aug 2020, May 2021| Assimi Goïta; supreme leader
Niger| Jul 2023| Abdourahamane Tchiani; ECOWAS tensions
Sudan| Oct 2021, Apr 2023| Fractured military amid civil war
Guinea-Bissau| Nov 2025| Recent dissolution of government

Note: Some sources mention eight, potentially including Gabon (2023 coup, but civilian transitional president since) or Madagascar (disputed military involvement). Exact counts vary due to transitional statuses and ongoing conflicts.

Why the Surge?

Military takeovers spiked post-2020, driven by jihadist insurgencies, poverty, and frustration with corrupt democracies. The Sahel—Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger—forms the epicenter, where juntas expelled French forces and aligned with Russia. AU suspensions have followed, but enforcement wanes as coups persist.

"Africa has seen eight military coups in four years, largely affecting regional stability."

Broader Impacts

  • Security: Juntas promise stability but face rebel advances; Sudan's war has killed thousands.
  • Economy: Sanctions and isolation hit Niger hard; aid freezes worsen hunger.
  • Democracy: Transitions drag on—Mali's junta shrunk political space, per analysts.
  • Global View: Russia gains influence; West pushes sanctions via ECOWAS/AU.

This "coup epidemic" echoes 1960s-70s patterns but with modern twists like social media juntas. As of February 2026, no major reversals reported—stability hinges on elections many doubt will happen.

TL;DR: Seven core countries (possibly eight) under military rule; Sahel hotspot amid instability.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.