Military Coup — What’s Happening Now and Why It Matters

A military coup can change a country's path overnight. This tag collects breaking news, analysis, timelines, and local reactions whenever a coup happens in Africa or beyond. If you're tracking political risk, press freedom, or travel safety, this page keeps the latest updates in one place.

What's a military coup? It's when armed forces remove or try to remove a government by force. Some coups are quick power grabs. Others unfold over weeks with arrests, curfews, and media blackouts. We explain the difference between a successful coup, a failed attempt, and a military takeover masked as a 'transition.'

How to spot an unfolding coup: sudden troop movements, shutdowns of TV and internet, raids on presidential palaces, and military announcements on state radio. Watch for officials under house arrest and the suspension of constitutions. These are immediate red flags that normal rules have changed.

Why it matters fast: markets react, aid flows stop, borders close, and businesses freeze operations. Tourists and expats get stranded fast. For citizens, coups often mean shortages, price spikes, and limits on public services. We track each of these consequences in real time.

How we cover coups

We publish breaking alerts as events unfold, with verified statements from governments, militaries, and trusted local sources. Our explainers show who stands to gain and who loses. Expect timelines that list key moves hour by hour, and background pieces that explain history, regional ties, and prior unrest. We flag unverified social posts and note when reports are confirmed.

Stay safe and verify news

When a coup happens, misinformation spreads fast. Before you share a clip, check timestamps, locations, and the original source. Follow official embassy pages and local journalists for reliable updates. If you're in the area, lock down movement, keep emergency cash, and have a simple exit plan. If you're outside, avoid travel and monitor airline and embassy notices.

Regional bodies often step in. The African Union, ECOWAS, and UN usually condemn coups and may impose sanctions, travel bans, or mediate talks. Those responses shape whether a coup lasts or falls apart. We track statements from these bodies because they often signal diplomatic pressure and possible routes back to civilian rule.

Use this tag to get all stories about military coups. Bookmark, turn on alerts, subscribe. We also link to timelines, profiles of key players, and local reaction pieces so you can understand the human side behind headlines.

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