Coups and Army Rule in Africa: Studies in Military Style

With as many as twenty African states (over half the continent) under military rule, the importance of understanding the role of the military in Africa is unquestioned. Samuel Decalo sets about in this book to destroy most of the theoretical generalizations made about African military regimes and to find out, on the basis of detailed empirical data, what has actually happened in four countries where military has replaced civilian rule. From his close study of Dahomey, Togo, Congo/Brazzaville, and Uganda - drawing also on data from coups in other African countries - Mr. Decalo argues that African armies cannot be viewed as cohesive, Westernized hierarchies intervening in the political arena from altruistic motives but instead are coteries of cliques composed of ambitious officers seeking self-advancement. He finds little evidence to support prevailing theories that military rule has fostered socioeconomic or political development or stability and concludes with a benerally negative image of military elites in power. Since Togo, Dahomey, and Congo/Brazzaville have been generally neglected by Africanists, who have tended to concentrate on the former British colonies, the information provided here closes a glaring gap. Written in a lively style, and with both a factual and theoretical contribution to African studues, the book will be useful to researchers and students alike.