TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Recent discussions surrounding changes to the Indonesian Military or TNI Law have raised concerns among human rights activists about the potential resurgence of military leadership, reminiscent of the New Order era. This period in Indonesia's history is marked by strong military involvement in government and society.
What is daily life like in a country ruled by military leadership? Here is an overview of eight countries currently under military junta rule.
1. Mali
Mali experienced two military coups within nine months, August 2020 and May 2021, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta. These coups were triggered by widespread dissatisfaction with corruption, the government's inability to suppress a jihadist rebellion, and persistent economic instability.
Mali's heavy reliance on foreign aid has been significantly disrupted by international sanctions, leading to a disproportionate allocation of state funds to security and defense, and underfunding critical sectors like education and healthcare.
2. Myanmar
In February 2021, a military coup led by General Min Aung Hlaing overthrew the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi, citing allegations of electoral fraud, although without any evidence.
Myanmar, under military junta rule, is characterized by substantial military expenditures, financed by the control of natural resources such as jade, timber, and natural gas, while essential public services have suffered drastic budget reductions.
3. Chad
Chad has a history of military dictatorships and is considered one of the world's most politically unstable nations. In 1987, President Hissène Habré, allegedly backed by the United States, was ousted by General Idriss Déby, who then ruled the country for 30 years (1991-2021), securing his position through contested elections.
Following Déby's assassination in 2021, his son, General Mahamat Idriss Déby, assumed leadership as head of Chad’s transitional government. Chad's economy is heavily dependent on oil revenues, with a high portion of the budget allocated to military and security, resulting in a significant fiscal deficit and reliance on international aid.
4. Guinea
In September 2021, Guinea fell under military control when Colonel Mamady Doumbouya led a coup that ousted President Alpha Condé, who had extended his term through controversial constitutional changes.
The junta has prioritized military and security spending, funded primarily by bauxite and mineral exports. This has resulted in significant budget cuts to essential services such as health and education, despite Guinea's abundant mineral wealth.
5. Sudan
Sudan has been under military rule since the October 2021 coup led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, which ended the transitional government established after the ousting of Omar al-Bashir. This coup stemmed from a power struggle between military and civilian factions.
Sudan faces a severe economic crisis, marked by high inflation, a $60 billion external debt, and extensive military spending, with basic public services heavily reliant on now-suspended international aid. Sudan is currently embroiled in a civil war between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to widespread devastation, ethnic violence in Darfur, and mass displacement.
6. Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso is among a growing number of West African nations where the military has seized power, accusing the elected government of failing to fulfill its mandate. The current junta, led by Captain Ibrahim Traore, took control in September 2022, overthrowing the previous military regime of Lieutenant Colonel Paul Henri Sandaogo Damiba, which had itself seized power from democratically elected President Roch Marc Kaboré eight months prior.
A transitional government, comprising military officers, civil society groups, and traditional and religious leaders, is currently in place, with elections planned for July 2024. Captain Ibrahim Traore was named as the transitional president.
The junta has struggled to address Burkina Faso's security challenges, particularly from extremist groups such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, with approximately half of the country remaining outside government control.
7. Niger
Niger fell under military junta rule in a July 2023 coup led by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, citing deteriorating security and corruption.
Since the coup, military spending has increased significantly, placing severe strain on the nation’s economy. Niger's budget, previously heavily reliant on international aid, has been further compromised by the suspension of U.S. aid, threatening the country's fragile economic stability.
8. Gabon
Gabon transitioned to military rule in an August 2023 coup led by General Brice Oligui Nguema, which ousted President Ali Bongo shortly after a disputed election, ending the Bongo dynasty’s 56-year rule.
Despite Gabon's substantial oil reserves and the highest GDP per capita in Central Africa, a huge portion of the budget is allocated to the military, with the remainder dedicated to prestige projects and a bloated bureaucracy. Consequently, nearly one-third of the population lives below the poverty line.
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