Why West Africa’s Cycle of Military Coups Threatens Regional Stability and American Interests

In the heart of West Africa, a troubling pattern has emerged that demands our attention—not just for Africans, but for Americans who value global stability and national sovereignty. Since 2020, at least nine African nations have experienced military coups, each reflecting deeper failures in governance, security, and economic independence.Recent attempts like the foiled coup in Benin highlight a region where armed forces see themselves as arbiters of power amid civilian governments unable to deliver security or prosperity. Just weeks earlier, Guinea-Bissau’s soldiers seized control following contentious elections. These are not isolated events; they illustrate a systemic breakdown fostering chaos on...