Over the last few years, military coups have reemerged in countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Sudan, and Guinea, raising alarm among observers and analysts. These coups reflect a broader return of militarism in African politics, a political system where military objectives blur into governance, and military values dominate the state. Despite the Cold War-era decline of military dictatorships, recent events suggest that the political order in West and Central Africa is being reshaped by armed forces.

This article delves into the historical origins of military rule in Africa, tracing its roots to postcolonial states that struggled with poverty, corruption, and instability after independence. It examines how military regimes, despite failing to deliver their utopian promises, provided an alternative to the chaos and disorder of civilian governance. Drawing on the author's expertise in military history, the article contextualizes current coups as part of a long-standing political tradition of military rule, promising stability and prosperity while often resorting to brutal methods.

Through a lens of history, the article also reflects on the geopolitical implications of these coups, particularly the growing influence of Russia and the shifting relationships with former colonial powers like France. With military leaders now in power across several African countries, the article considers whether they will follow the same path as previous regimes or introduce new strategies for governance.