What in the World - Coups and Dynasties: Are Africa’s “nepo baby” leaders in trouble?

Download Coups and Dynasties: Are Africa’s “nepo baby” leaders in trouble?

For some countries in Africa ruling is very much a family business.

Ali Bongo was president of Gabon for 14 years. But that’s nothing compared to his father, who ruled for 41 years. And Mr Bongo will not go on to beat his dad’s record. He’s the latest African leader to be deposed in a coup. There have now been eight in Central and West African states in the last three years. With growing discontent for the traditional, elite families that have dominated many countries for decades we’re asking if Africa’s “nepo baby” leaders are getting nervous.

Plus how do these coups happen and how do people pull them off? We speak to Professor Rory Cormac from the University of Nottingham about the plotters who risk it all for power.

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Presenter: Hannah Gelbart with Beverly Ochieng
Producers: Alex Rhodes and William Lee Adams
Editors: Verity Wilde and Simon Peeks

Published on Friday, 1st September 2023.

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