Ivory Coast’s government has banned all political rallies and protests ahead of the October 25 presidential election, citing “public order” concerns. But let’s be honest—this isn’t about peace. It’s about power. The move comes after the Constitutional Council disqualified key opposition figures like Laurent Gbagbo and Tidjane Thiam, triggering outrage and mass protests in Abidjan.
This is not democracy. It’s a preemptive chokehold on dissent.
Critical Analysis
When a government silences opposition and criminalizes peaceful protest, it’s not protecting democracy—it’s burying it. Ivory Coast’s ban is a textbook example of how fragile democratic institutions are manipulated to entrench incumbents. The justification? “False information” and “public disorder.” The reality? Fear of losing power. These tactics—banning rallies, disqualifying rivals, arresting critics—are the same playbook used across the continent. And they’re exactly what’s holding Africa back. When citizens lose faith in elections, they don’t turn to ballots—they turn to barracks.
Why Military Takeovers Are Becoming the Default Reset Button
Let’s not pretend coups are always bad. In many African nations, military interventions have been the only force capable of breaking corrupt cycles and restoring national dignity. When democracy is hijacked, the people cheer the soldiers.
Here are 5 military takeovers that led to stability, reform, and popular support:
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Ghana – Jerry Rawlings (1979 & 1981)
Rawlings overthrew a corrupt regime, purged the rot, and laid the foundation for Ghana’s modern democracy. He handed over power peacefully and remains a beloved figure.
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Burkina Faso – Thomas Sankara (1983)
Sankara’s coup birthed a revolutionary government that prioritized education, women’s rights, and anti-imperialism. He’s still revered as “Africa’s Che Guevara.”
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Rwanda – Paul Kagame (1994)
After the genocide, Kagame’s military-led government rebuilt Rwanda into one of Africa’s most stable and tech-forward economies.
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Egypt – Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (2013)
Though controversial, Sisi’s takeover ended years of instability and ushered in infrastructure growth and economic reforms.
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Mali – Assimi Goïta (2021)
Goïta’s coup was backed by youth frustrated with corruption and insecurity. His government has since focused on sovereignty and anti-terrorism.
My Take
Until African elections stop being elite chess matches rigged for incumbents, military takeovers will remain the people’s emergency exit. Ivory Coast’s crackdown is not an isolated case—it’s a symptom of a continent-wide disease: democracy without accountability. And in that vacuum, the soldier becomes the surgeon.
Let’s stop romanticizing broken ballots and start demanding real change—by any means necessary.
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