Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger: Full list of African countries under military rule (2020–2025)

There are fifty-four (54) fully recognised sovereign states in Africa according to the United Nations and the African Union. Nine out of these countries are under military government due to insecurity, corruption, or political instability.

The latest takeover happened on November 26, 2025, in Guinea-Bissau. Soldiers declared “total control”, removed the president, and suspended the electoral process. 

These coups reveal a broader trend that continues to raise concerns about democracy and governance in African countries.

In this article, Pulse breaks down the countries currently governed by military authorities, where they are located, and how they got there, but firstly, what does ‘military rule' mean?

Military rule happens when the armed forces take control of a country’s government, usually by removing an elected leader through a coup.

In many cases, the military promises to restore democracy after stabilising the country, but that rarely ever happens.

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Mali is a remote and isolated country in West Africa and has been under military control since 2020.

Colonel Assimi Goïta, now a general, became the central figure of the junta. He first took power in August 2020 and reinforced his control with a second coup in May 2021. 

The military government has repeatedly postponed elections, citing ongoing security challenges linked to insurgent groups.

In 2025, the military leadership made a bold move to reinforce power by dissolving political parties and establishing a law that granted Goïta a five-year renewable mandate without elections. 

Burkina Faso has experienced nine successful coups d'état since gaining independence in 1960. In 2022 alone, Burkina Faso experienced two coups. This highlights the country’s deep instability. 

Captain Ibrahim Traoré now leads the country after overthrowing a previous military leader. The justification has largely centred on worsening insecurity and the spread of extremist violence across the country.

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In July 2023, General Abdourahamane Tchiani removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power. 

Niger borders Nigeria and was once seen as a stable democracy in the Sahel. The coup significantly affected the country’s political balance and complicated relations with Western allies.

Guinea is located along the Atlantic coast and has been under military rule since September 2021. Colonel Mamadi Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Condé due to corruption and poor governance. As usual, there is a promised transition to civilian rule that may never happen. 

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Chad’s situation followed the death of President Idriss Déby in April 2021. His son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, took control through a military transitional council. The situation was a temporary measure, and the arrangement has faced criticism for extending military dominance. It’s 2026, yet the country is still under military rule. 

Sudan’s military takeover in October 2021 ended a fragile democratic transition. Led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the country has since descended into conflict between rival military factions, creating one of Africa’s most severe humanitarian crises.

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In August 2023, General Brice Oligui Nguema led a coup that ended decades of rule by the Bongo family.

Gabon is located on Central Africa’s west coast. The takeover followed disputed elections and was initially welcomed by some citizens, though the country remains under military-led governance.

In November 2025, the military seized control just as election results were expected. They disrupted and dissolved the election process, suspended major associations and installed General Horta Nta Na Man as transitional president after toppling President Umaro Sissoco Embalo.

Madagascar is an island nation off Africa’s southeast coast that experienced military intervention in October 2025.

Following widespread protests, the military installed a transitional authority, expanding the trend of military influence beyond mainland Africa.

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Since 2020, multiple African countries have fallen under military rule, including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, Chad, Sudan, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar. 

These coups were sparked by insecurity, corruption, and political instability, and while some leaders promise stability and democratic transitions, elections are often delayed, and freedoms are restricted. instability,