Theory question 110
Military Rule(a) What is a coup d'etat?
(b) Give five reasons for military intervention in politics in West Africa.
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Model answer
(a) A coup d'état is the sudden, unconstitutional and often violent overthrow of a government by a group, usually the armed forces.
(b) Any five: corruption of civilian leaders; rigged elections and political violence; ethnic and regional tensions; economic mismanagement and hardship; breakdown of law and order; personal ambition of officers; foreign influence; imitation of coups elsewhere (contagion); poor conditions in the army; tribalism in promotions.
Explanation
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