Why in the news?
- The African Union suspended Madagascar “with immediate effect” after a coup saw an elite Army unit seize power following President Andry Rajoelina’s impeachment.
Coups in Africa and Impact on India
- Countries Recently Witnessing Coups: Mali (2020 & 2021), Guinea (2021), Chad (202), Sudan (2021 (renewed conflict in 2023)), Burkina Faso (2022 two coups), Niger (2023), Gabon (2023) and Madagascar (2025).
- Causes Behind the Coups:
- Weak Institutions: Fragile democracies and poor constitutional enforcement.
- Economic Hardship: Inflation, unemployment, and lack of basic services.
- Security Vacuum: Jihadist and separatist insurgencies in the Sahel.
- Foreign Influence: Rivalries among France, Russia, China, and the US.
- Anti-Colonial Sentiment: Resentment toward continued Western control.
- Climate Stress: Desertification and conflict over scarce resources.
- Elite Corruption and Governance Fatigue: Popular frustration with failed leadership.
- Impact on India:
- Diplomatic and Strategic Impact:
- Reduced Democratic Leverage: India promotes democratic cooperation in Africa; coups weaken that alignment.
- UN Peacekeeping Challenges: India’s troops in Congo, South Sudan, and Mali face risks as mandates change or missions collapse.
- Geopolitical Competition: China deepens economic control through debt and infrastructure. Russia expands via arms deals and private military firms.
- Regional Instability: May expand terror networks (Boko Haram, ISIS affiliates) that destabilize Indian missions and UN peacekeepers.
- Economic and Energy Impact:
- Trade Disruptions: Africa accounts for nearly 9% of India’s global trade. Instability delays infrastructure, telecom, and energy projects.
- Critical Minerals Risk: Niger (uranium), Mali (gold), and DRC/Zambia (cobalt, lithium) are vital for India’s energy transition and semiconductor manufacturing.
- Energy & Logistics: Instability near the Gulf of Guinea or Red Sea raises shipping costs and marine insurance rates.
- Diplomatic and Strategic Impact: