The familiar refrain about elite figures is echoed across many opinions as footage of Gabon’s ousted president circulates in English, with observers noting the tense moment high above a street. A friend’s casual remark betrays the unease, while the first public images show a fragile transition unfolding in real time. In Bamako, conversations over afternoon tea drift to the same topic, with friends weighing the implications of political upheaval on everyday life.
The scene unfolds against a backdrop of traffic and the Niger River, on the hill of Koulouba in Bamako where the presidency sits and where the early stages of this broader pattern began in August 2020. A sequence of coups stretches from Bamako to Libreville, each marked by popular mobilization that surprised many observers. Although the Gabon case is distinct, it shares key traits with others in the region: substantial popular backing and a context in which traditional influence and external power dynamics play a role. The era of colonization by former French powers looms in the background, shaping daily life and political discourse, yet the events rarely spill into open violence today.
As speculation grows about the wealth and extravagance linked to Bongo family members, emphasis remains on the broader public mood. In Mali, for example, videos featuring relatives and offshore luxuries once circulated widely, fueling fatigue with the sitting administration under Ibrahim Boubakar Keita. The August 2020 coup in Mali was born from weeks of street protests led by civil society and political opposition united on shared platforms. The military entered with broad civilian approval, a rare moment of consensus that underscored the people’s desire for change. The scene then, as now, involved public engagement and visible, symbolic displays of power on stages and streets alike.
Today, concerns voiced by observers and residents alike focus on security and accountability. The refrain is clear: security must come first, and leaders should redirect resources toward safeguarding people rather than amassing wealth. Three years after the initial upheavals, juntas continue to command strong popular support, though not without missteps. Images of soldiers and leaders adorn main avenues, shirts, and walls, signaling the political grip that remains in many communities while daily life continues amid political transition.
the difficult situation in the country
The security situation within Mali has grown perilous, with armed groups linked to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State complicating life for ordinary people. Calls to restore peace resonate across neighborhoods as Malians and their neighbors in Burkina Faso look to the armed forces for stability. The region shares a history of military involvement in governance, including recent coups that brought temporary governance changes and raised questions about democratic norms. Terrorist incidents, improvised security measures, and shifting alliances contribute to a sense of ongoing volatility, yet a strong streak of patriotism underpins public confidence in the uniformed leadership that pledges to confront these threats.
In Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré emerges as a central figure bringing cautious hope amid tight information controls and limited access to independent reporting. The temptation to see the military as a practical option persists, even when democratic processes are paused or retuned in question. The two transitional governments in Mali and Burkina Faso maintain relatively good relations and keep close ties with Niger, the neighboring state that also experienced a recent military shift.
Together, the Sahel region—Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—forms a bloc where commanders stress their duty to the people who support them, even as violence and insecurity intensify. The idea that democracy is reduced to elections is challenged by the reality of ongoing military involvement and the social legitimacy these leaders claim. Debates about terms like “democratic coups” and “selective democracies” circulate in public conversations, as do critiques of constitutional changes designed to extend terms for presidents. For many, the arrival of soldiers brings a breath of relief and a sense of order, even as concerns about freedom and governance persist.
Elsewhere in the region, an oil-rich country far from West Africa witnesses a striking similarity: a group of soldiers publicly seizes power, a president remains at home, and street celebrations mark the end of a decades-long dynasty. Yet the current escalation contrasts with past events, since the controlling elite has longstanding roots in the political landscape. Across borders, parallels surface with Niger, where the sitting president remains detained, and the presidential guard stands as the most visible force protecting the leadership. The momentum around military governance and the appeal of quick stability appear to be a shared phenomenon.
In summary, the current moment in West Africa and the Sahel reflects a complex mix of public support for decisive leadership, concerns about democratic legitimacy, and a regional pattern of military involvement that reshapes political life. Analysts note that while coups are not universally welcomed, the immediate demand for security and order often sways public opinion toward strong, centralized authority. The debates continue, with citizens weighing the long-term consequences for governance, freedoms, and regional cooperation. (Citations: regional observers and field reports.)