Episode 280: West Africa's Democratic Woes: Sierra Leone's Failed Coup

Today, Jamil, Jess, Les, and Morgan discuss the failed coup that took place in Sierra Leone on Sunday, November 26. The coup attempt comes after a contentious election in June in which President Julius Maada Bio was reelected for a second term and on the heels of increased tensions in the West African region, highlighted by the eight military takeovers since 2020, including most recently in Niger and Gabon.

Should the U.S. be worried about the high number of coups?  How must and should the Biden Administration readjust foreign assistance in the region in light of these developments?  Are there larger forces in play and are outside actors like Russia’s Wagner Group or China fostering regional instability?

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/28/world/africa/sierra-leone-arrests-attempted-coup.html

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-67541285 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/nov/26/sierra-leone-curfew-army-barracks-attack 

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/sierra-leone-information-minister-says-weekend-attack-was-failed-coup-2023-11-28/

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/28/sierra-leone-attacks-were-a-failed-coup-attempt-officials-say

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/27/africa/sierra-leone-military-barracks-foiled-attack-ignites-fears-over-coup-attempt/index.html

https://www.africanews.com/2023/11/28/coup-attempt-in-sierra-leone-authorities/ 

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@notTVJessJones

@jamil_n_jaffer 

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

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