Western paternalism in Africa reaches its limits
Decades of failed policy, including US and French counterterrorism programs, have some African leaders looking for alternatives.
Decades of failed policy, including US and French counterterrorism programs, have some African leaders looking for alternatives.
Capt. Ibrahim Traore deposed the last guy who overthrew the government — Lt. Col. Sandaogo Damiba — who did extensive training with the Americans.
The situation in the Sahel lurches from bad to worse and everyone loses except for the narrow ruling cliques that hold top offices.
As caretaker governments become semi-permanent, Washington must work diplomatically toward quicker transitions to civilian rule.
But a potential opening to resolve local conflicts in Burkina Faso could provide a model to turn US security assistance on its head.
AFRICOM says it promotes human rights and rule of law but doesn’t know why trainees are overthrowing their own governments.
Nine US mentees have overthrown governments since 2008, including one last week. Meanwhile, extremist attacks have increased 70 percent.
A rash of government overthrows in the Sahel illustrates the danger of prioritizing counterterrorism while ignoring obvious warning signs.