BRICS and the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa

The document examines the resurgence of military coups in Africa since 2020 and the fragmented reactions of BRICS nations. It argues that while Russia engages in 'coup protection schemes' and China maintains a 'non-interventionist policy' to secure economic interests, India, Brazil, and South Africa have taken more muted or supportive stances toward constitutional order. This lack of unity suggests BRICS operates as a 'house of cards' with disaggregated interests, potentially limiting its ability to effectively challenge US and European influence in Africa.

• Africa has experienced a significant resurgence of military coups since August 2020, following a period of democratic revolution that began in the 1990s. Between 2020 and 2023 alone, eight military coups occurred, including takeovers in Mali, Guinea, Chad, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Niger.
• Russia is accused of implementing 'coup protection schemes' by establishing security and diplomatic ties with military juntas, often utilizing the Wagner group. In Niger, Russia provided 100 soldiers and an anti-aircraft defense system by March 2024, while in Mali, it deployed military advisors and 400 mercenaries to fight Islamist organizations.

APA

Yemisi, O. (2024). BRICS and the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa. Africa Policy Research Institute. https://afripoli.org/brics-and-the-resurgence-of-military-coups-in-africa

Chicago

Yemisi, Olawale. BRICS and the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa. Africa Policy Research Institute, 2024. https://afripoli.org/brics-and-the-resurgence-of-military-coups-in-africa.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Yemisi |first1=Olawale |title=BRICS and the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa |publisher=Africa Policy Research Institute |date=18 November 2024 |url=https://afripoli.org/brics-and-the-resurgence-of-military-coups-in-africa |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{yemisi2024brics, author = {Yemisi, Olawale}, title = {{BRICS and the Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa}}, institution = {Africa Policy Research Institute}, year = {2024}, month = nov, url = {https://afripoli.org/brics-and-the-resurgence-of-military-coups-in-africa}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }