2017 Zimbabwe Coup vs. 2022 Burkina Faso Coup
What's the Difference?
The 2017 Zimbabwe Coup and the 2022 Burkina Faso Coup both involved the military seizing power from the government, but there are some key differences between the two events. In Zimbabwe, the coup resulted in the ousting of long-time leader Robert Mugabe, while in Burkina Faso, President Roch Marc Christian Kabore was forced to resign following widespread protests against his government. Additionally, the Zimbabwe coup was largely bloodless and was met with widespread support from the public, while the Burkina Faso coup has been marked by violence and uncertainty as the military struggles to maintain control. Both coups highlight the fragility of democracy in African countries and the potential for military intervention in political affairs.
Comparison
| Attribute | 2017 Zimbabwe Coup | 2022 Burkina Faso Coup |
|---|---|---|
| Date | November 2017 | January 2022 |
| Country | Zimbabwe | Burkina Faso |
| Leadership Change | Robert Mugabe was removed from power | Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba assumed power |
| Military Involvement | Significant military involvement | Heavy military involvement |
| International Response | Mixed international response | Concern from international community |
Further Detail
Background
The 2017 Zimbabwe coup, also known as Operation Restore Legacy, took place on November 14-21, 2017. It resulted in the removal of long-time President Robert Mugabe from power and the installation of Emmerson Mnangagwa as the new president. The coup was largely bloodless and was carried out by the Zimbabwean military. In contrast, the 2022 Burkina Faso coup occurred on January 24, 2022, when the military seized power and dissolved the government. The coup in Burkina Faso was led by Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who declared himself the new leader of the country.
Leadership
In the 2017 Zimbabwe coup, the military acted to remove President Robert Mugabe from power after he had been in office for nearly four decades. The military's actions were seen as a response to Mugabe's increasingly authoritarian rule and the political turmoil within the ruling ZANU-PF party. In contrast, the 2022 Burkina Faso coup was led by Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who cited the government's failure to address security challenges and corruption as reasons for the military's intervention.
International Response
The 2017 Zimbabwe coup was met with mixed reactions from the international community. While some countries condemned the military's actions as a violation of democratic principles, others expressed support for the removal of Mugabe from power. The African Union and Southern African Development Community (SADC) played a key role in mediating the political transition in Zimbabwe. On the other hand, the 2022 Burkina Faso coup was met with widespread condemnation from the international community, including the African Union and the United Nations. The military's seizure of power in Burkina Faso was seen as a setback for democracy and stability in the region.
Political Transition
Following the 2017 Zimbabwe coup, Emmerson Mnangagwa was sworn in as the new president of Zimbabwe. Mnangagwa promised to usher in a new era of democracy and economic reform in the country. The political transition in Zimbabwe was relatively smooth, with Mnangagwa winning the presidential election in 2018. In contrast, the political transition in Burkina Faso following the 2022 coup remains uncertain. Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba has yet to outline a clear roadmap for the country's return to civilian rule, raising concerns about the military's grip on power.
Impact on Democracy
The 2017 Zimbabwe coup marked a significant turning point in the country's political history. It brought an end to Robert Mugabe's authoritarian rule and raised hopes for a more inclusive and democratic government. However, concerns have been raised about the military's continued influence in Zimbabwean politics and the government's respect for human rights. In contrast, the 2022 Burkina Faso coup has raised fears of a return to military rule in the country. The military's seizure of power has undermined Burkina Faso's fragile democracy and threatens to reverse the progress made in recent years.
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