Image Source: Al Jazeera
Africa – Tanzania-based Podcaster and Founder of Swahili Nation and One Africa, Mika Chavala, says the wave of coups across Africa, and the latest attempted coup in Mali, has fuelled a mindset where people believe they can replace governments whenever they choose.
Over the weekend, Mali’s political tensions escalated when more than 40 soldiers, including two high-ranking generals, were arrested for allegedly plotting to destabilise the government.
The arrests follow a turbulent period in which Mali has experienced two coups since 2020, delayed elections, a worsening jihadist insurgency, and an increasingly authoritarian military regime.
Chavala said Mali’s long history of coups has normalised political takeovers, creating an environment where some military officers believe they have the right to replace those in power.
He linked the most recent incident to growing dissatisfaction over political moves such as dissolving the electoral commission, which he said has alienated parts of the army.
“Some of the soldiers have not been okay with what is happening, especially after the leader dissolved the electoral commission. Everybody feels like right now they can take over the government and lead this country in what they believe is the right direction.”
He warned that the repeated upheavals raise doubts about whether any form of governance, whether democratic or military, has been effective for Mali in recent years.
Chavala stressed that the country needs to prioritise the desires of its people, not just the aspirations of those in uniform. He called for a national dialogue, emphasising that it is the collective voice of the Malian people that should guide the way forward.
“There’s a need to have a national dialogue so we can understand what the Malian people really want for their country. Without that, we will just keep repeating the same cycle of instability.”
Public Trust in Coup Leaders
Chavala also highlighted a concerning trend in the Sahel, where citizens are increasingly backing coup leaders. This, he noted, is a clear reflection of the profound public frustration with systems that have consistently failed to deliver results.
He noted that many are willing to accept long-term rule by military leaders if they believe it brings stability and progress.
“People are really tired because they have already tried democracy and they saw that it never worked for them. When they find one good leader, they just want to keep that leader in power.”
He said Africa must define its version of democracy that reflects its realities, not simply import models from elsewhere. This, he argued, must be supported by a united continental approach that strengthens sovereignty and collective security.
Chavala emphasised that lasting stability will only come when African nations work together under shared goals, building institutions that protect their borders and economies while reflecting the will of their people.
“We need to define what democracy looks like for us, even if it is different from the Western standard. The most important thing is to see our countries moving forward and to see stability in our nations.”
“We need to come together as one Africa, with one passport and one currency, so we can defend our borders and stand as one people.”
Watch the Full Interview Here.
