Coups in Gabon and Niger Reflect Deep-seated Outcry for a Return to Self. Lead the Right Way!

The recent coups in Gabon and Niger reflect a larger trend in African uprisings to restore what they see as the natural way of life and governance. As pro-BRICS and pro-Africa traditionalism narratives rise, pro-Western narratives fall, leaving France in the crosshairs.

Event: On the heels of a military coup in Niger due to bad governance and security concerns, Gabon has experienced its own military coup with officers citing treason, embezzlement, corruption, and corruption.

Mundane Perspective: Since 2020, there have been six major military coups in West and Central Africa with consistent reasons being military concerns about government corruption and the inability of leaders to secure territories against rebels, Al-Qaeda, and Islamist militants. France has condemned the coup in Gabon and has refused diplomatic engagement with the junta while supporting the regional body that has proposed military intervention. The coups in Mali, Burkin Faso, Niger, and now Gabon have yielded military governments openly hostile to France and elicited support from locals holding deep resentment over the legacy of colonialism and France’s continued presence in the region.

Clearly, the people are ready to have their land back in the hands of their native leaders and see the exit of Western colonial influence, corruption, and continental destabilization. African nations have managed to maintain a level of traditional governance within adaptation to democratic norms. Traditional institutions of government in Africa include monarchies and chiefdoms – autocratic political and government structures. A desire to return to this royal heritage may be the driving force behind the spread of Russian propaganda narratives in the continent and the desire of locals to align with BRICS policies.

Esoteric Perspective: The Hermetic Maxim “As above, so below” can be seen in the Lord’s Prayer “on Earth as it is in heaven.” In the case of the trend of African military coups and the shift in the state of African instability, we see “as within, so without.” Deep within the subconscious and unconscious minds of the African people is a desire to return to what they view to be a natural way of life or a natural order. Kenyan lawyer and activist P.L.O. Lumumba has shared his perspectives (TikTok link) on African spirituality and the disservice Western organized religion has done in misguiding humanity to know itself and the divine.

There are growing narratives on African TikTok that speak to the need for African leaders to stand up for African empowerment and decoupling from Western influences of all kinds. The scourge of colonialism has not left the collective conscious, subconscious, or unconscious minds of African people, and it shouldn’t! If leaders are serious about promoting a right to self-determination, then the series of anti-West military coups are necessary! Healthy societies thrive when the desire within is made manifest in harmony with and respect for culture and traditions at home and abroad. Securing African countries is a matter of colonial powers, West and East, equipping said countries with the tools, infrastructure, and economic support to secure themselves.

What this means for you: If you work in the public or non-profit/NGO sector, how is your organization supporting the uplifting and strategic independence of African nations? Are you upholding colonial structures and norms or are you helping those you serve actualize their right to self-determination? It’s imperative that the actions you take, the research you perform, and the policies you prescribe align with the future progress of an independent Africa that does not need to seek out violent revenge. Are you focusing on safe, left-wing narratives, or are you helping people help themselves?

If you are in the private sector, how does your organization promote foreign direct investment in African countries? Are you spearheading initiatives that help local economies grow or are you building the occasional school that will fail to educate? Are you creating jobs and offering accessible skills training programs? Are you creating avenues to discover and develop top talent? The beauty of the private sector is the ability to move fast and do what governments either can’t or won’t. And these initiatives aren’t limited to large corporations. Solopreneurs, coaches, consultants, and small businesses can take advantage of opportunities online and offline to host seminars, partner with African startups to expand, offer branding and strategy consulting to aspiring entrepreneurs, help African nationals find venture capital opportunities to launch the next big thing!

What to do about it: Take stock of your current strategies when it comes to the African market and be honest with yourself about your SWOT analysis. Don’t focus so much on aligning with elite Western norms and narratives that you completely miss the greatest opportunity of today – to be a real leader of change in a world that needs it. The shift is happening now whether or not Western leaders openly discuss it. Do you part to lessen the inertia, take positive action, and make the world more sustainable and equitable for all.

Need specifics on how to achieve elevation and change in your individual walk or for a unique organization? Book your consultation and let’s get the ball rolling!

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