Democracy in Africa: Coups, crises and foregone conclusions

Key points

• As Ethiopia formally counts the votes following Monday's election, attitudes toward democracy appear to be shifting across Africa.
• In April, Burkina Faso's junta leader told the Burkinabe people to "forget" democracy.
• Many of the 2026 elections across Africa across Africa are marked by fraud, repression and a growing disconnect between young people and political elites.
• Though results have yet to be announced, Monday's election in Ethiopia, for example, is widely expected to result in a win for incumbent Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, despite deep divisions in the nation.
• Officials cited security concerns in suspending voting in parts of the country;