Public commentator Mahdi Shehu has warned that many countries, especially in Africa, are creating the conditions that make military coups look attractive because their democracies are failing to meet basic standards of fairness and accountability.
Shehu, in a post on X on Wednesday night while reacting to the latest military takeover in Guinea-Bissau, said people should stop pretending that coups happen in a vacuum.
According to him, military coup is thought to be unpopular, but in reality, it continues to appear as an option in developing countries where leaders ignore the principles of genuine democracy.
“But far from being unpopular, Military coup especially in developing countries and failed democracies will continue to be an option even if unpopular,” he wrote.
Shehu listed what he described as the antidotes to coups, insisting that they are clear, non-negotiable and must be respected for democracy to survive.
He said true democracy begins with credible elections where votes count and the rules are known and obeyed.
He stressed that leaders must manage public resources through an open and transparent process instead of allowing a few powerful individuals to personalise wealth.
According to him, a functioning justice system that applies the law fairly is essential.
“Non personalisation of public resources by a group of greedy and selfish individuals to the total exclusion of the Majority. Allowing candidates to emerge through an open process without intimidation, forced exit or restrictive entry.”
He added that leaders should know when to leave office, saying that knowing when the ovation is over and when to let go is a key part of democratic culture.
He further stated that protecting human rights and respecting opposition voices are fundamental.
He urged political actors to prevent well known criminals from hijacking democratic institutions using money, blackmail and murder.
“Anything short of these things will mean allowing a fertile ground for the military coup to become the general rule and indeed a welcome option where democracy proves to be a disaster beyond a measuring scale.”
He ended his message with a caution to political leaders, “Democrats beware.”