Civil-Military Relations and Coup Risk in Fragile African States

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doi:10.56201/JLGP.vol.11.no1.2026.pg83.94

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Civil-Military Relations and Coup Risk in Fragile African States

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Abstract

The study examines civil-military relations and coup risk in fragile African states. Although it is widely accepted that the military should remain under civilian authority, civil–military relations in many fragile African states are frequently marked by tension, mistrust, and occasional military interference in politics. Since the end of the Cold War, Africa has experienced multiple waves of democratic transitions; however, the continued occurrence of coups in several countries indicates that civilian oversight of the armed forces is often weak and contested. The objectives of the study were to examine the nature and dynamics of civil–military relations in fragile African states and their impact on political stability; and analyse the factors that increase the risk of military intervention in governance. The study adopted the State Fragility Theory, which emerged in the early 1990s through the works of Gerald Helman and Steven Ratner. The study employed a descriptive research design. Data for the study were collected from secondary sources, including scholarly journal articles, books, government reports, policy papers, and reputable online databases. The qualitative content analysis was applied to analyse the data. The study found that coups do not just happen suddenly; they are usually the result of many governance problems working together. Corruption, unfair political systems that exclude some groups, weak laws, poor elections, and loss of public trust in leaders create conditions where the military may feel justified in stepping in. When governments fail to manage conflicts, provide services, or ensure security, the military may see itself as the only force that can restore order, especially during terrorism, insurgency, or widespread violence. The study recommended that African leaders should improve governance and socio-economic conditions by tackling corruption, ensuring inclusive political participation, and addressing insecurity and economic hardship, ther

Keywords

Civil-military relationsmilitary coupfragile statesAfrican stateweak governance

References

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Civil-Military Relations and Coup Risk in Fragile African States

Abstract

Keywords

References

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