#military-rule

#military-rule

Voters went to the polls Sunday for the initial phase of Myanmar 's first general election in five years, held under the supervision of its military government while a civil war rages throughout much of the country. Critics charge that the election is designed to add a facade of legitimacy to military rule, which began after the army ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

Two coups and one foiled coup within eight weeks constitute a new dimension even for Africa's recent history. In October, the military in Madagascar deposed the president after weeks of protests. Then in November, soldiers in Guinea-Bissau deposed the head of state shortly after what they considered to be a rigged election. In early December, a group of soldiers calling themselves the "Military Committee for Renewal" announced a takeover in Benin.

Buhari's administration faced immense criticism for its harsh anti-corruption measures and perceived authoritarianism, which resulted in the detention of activists and journalists.

General Brice Oligui Nguema has just secured a decisive election victory, promising to lead Gabon through democratic reforms after a military-led coup ended 56 years of Bongo rule.