As reactions continue to unfold following the attempted coup in Benin, experts from across the region are calling for long-term reforms that not only prevent military takeovers but also strengthen democratic delivery for citizens. They argue that persistent issues such as corruption, weak governance, human rights violations, and public mistrust remain major triggers for instability.
Among the prominent voices is Désiré Assogbavi, Advocacy Advisor for Africa at the Open Society Foundation (OSF). In his presentation titled “Roadmap in 7 Points,” he outlined urgent steps for regional and continental bodies to tackle the rising wave of coups.
One of his key recommendations is ensuring mandatory compliance by states with the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a governance monitoring tool he believes can help address structural weaknesses before they escalate into crises. According to him, stronger accountability mechanisms could significantly improve trust between governments and their citizens.
Assogbavi emphasized that adopting these reforms would not only curb coup risks but also support more stable, transparent, and people-centered governance across the continent.
