Deterring would-be putschists in Africa is getting harder
Russia, hypocrisy and pragmatism are all to blame
Africa’s young democrats often employ only black humour at the frequent sight on TV of uniformed men announcing that they have overthrown the government. Some find levity in discussing the sartorial dilemmas they must face (dress uniform or camouflage, beret or bare head?). Others mock state television stations for running interminable wildlife documentaries to avoid screening the unfolding chaos.
This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Bluster and bluff”
Middle East & Africa September 9th 2023
From the September 9th 2023 edition
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