Nigeria, Jan. 24 -- Coups have once again become rather endemic in Africa, though they are not always acknowledged as such. Between 2020 and 2025, there were eleven successful putsches plus a few attempts. One of the latest was the toppling of Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina in October last year.

That came after a popular Gen Z uprising against poor service delivery, especially electricity blackouts and water shortages. When the powerful Army Corps of Personnel and Administrative and Technical Services (CAPSAT) military unit switched sides, Mr Rajoelina realised the game was up and fled the country.

Parliament voted overwhelmingly to impeach him and the High Constitutional Court later installed CAPSAT head, Colonel Michael Randri...