A recent coup attempt in Benin highlights a troubling trend of military takeovers in Africa, with 10 successful coups occurring across the continent in the last five years.

• Mali experienced two coups in August 2020 and May 2021, led by Colonel Assimi Goita.
• Guinea saw a coup on September 5, 2021, with lieutenant-colonel Mamady Doumbouya arresting President Alpha Conde.
• Sudan's armed forces, led by army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, staged a coup on October 25, 2021, leading to a war that has killed tens of thousands.
• Burkina Faso endured two military coups in 2022, with Captain Ibrahim Traore becoming transitional president.
• In Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023.
• Gabon experienced a coup on August 30, 2023, with General Brice Oligui Nguema taking over after disputed elections.
• Madagascar saw a military ouster of president Andry Rajoelina in October 2025, followed by a coup in Guinea-Bissau in November 2025.