- By Aditi Priya Singh
- Wed, 10 Sep 2025 12:17 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
List of Countries Hit By Takhtapalat: In recent years, around the world, after 2020, many countries have experienced sudden political changes called Takhtapalat or coups. These usually occur when the military, powerful groups or civilians forcefully change the government without following the norms or rules of democracy. From Africa to Asia, nations have experienced crises, protests and government movements following such events.
Nepal is the most current example of political protest movements by Gen Z that are truly rattling systems. Young citizens, tired of corruption, unemployment and bad governance, came out in large numbers demanding change. Their protests forced leaders to make decisions quickly to initiate reforms, demonstrating that public anger can create a takhtapalat situation without the military.
Student Killed During Protest, Sets Fire, PM Resigns, Ex-PM Wife Dies Due To Fire
On 9th September 2025, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned after deadly attacks on parliament and ministers' houses, even his as well. In the protest, almost 19 students were killed, over hundreds were injured, which worsened the condition more as they started setting fire to the roads and ministers' houses. Unfortunately, former Prime Minister Jhalanath Khanal's wife, Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, died after succumbing to the fire injury inside her house.
Nepal's Gen Z protest in picture (Image: Reuters)
Similar incidents in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Sudan and other countries highlight how political dissatisfaction and weak governance often lead to sudden power changes. These cases remind us how fragile democracy can be when people lose trust in their rulers.
1. Nepal – Gen Z Protests, 2025
Nepal’s takhtapalat driven by Gen Z with huge protests after restrictions on social media apps like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Reddit and others. Well, the rage was not only for restrictions on these apps, but young citizens are frustrated with unemployment, corruption and political instability. So, they came out in large numbers demanding change. The protests forced the government to make big reforms and reshuffle leadership. While it was not a military coup, it was a powerful people-led movement that significantly altered the political landscape.
2. Bangladesh – 2024
The government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the target of violent unrest in Bangladesh in August 2024. Protestors accused the government of power abuse, price increases and corruption. The situation got worse when security forces and civilians clashed. Sheikh Hasina resigned under pressure, and an interim government took over. The result was a brief change of leadership with the goal of stability and fresh elections.
3. Mali – 2020
A country in West Africa, Mali’s soldiers overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in a coup in 2020. The public's frustration over corruption, the economy's poor management and the rise in Islamist violence were the causes of this protest. The president was taken into custody by the army, which also declared a new interim administration. As a result, Mali was placed under military rule, which is still in place today.
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4. Myanmar – 2021
General Min Aung Hlaing led Myanmar's military to overthrow Aung San Suu Kyi's elected government in a coup in 2021. The military blamed it on election fraud. They arrested leaders and dissolved parliament. A violent military dictatorship resulted, and protests escalated into a civil war-like situation that is still going on today.
5. Sudan – 2021
In 2021, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan's army seized power in the North African country of Sudan, dissolving the civilian-military joint council that was supposed to steer democracy. Growing hostilities between military and civilian leaders were the cause. Political unrest and protests followed, trapping Sudan in a state of instability and violence.
6. Chad – 2021
A country in Central Africa, in Chad, after the death of President Idriss Déby in 2021, the military bypassed the constitution and handed power to his son, Mahamat Idriss Déby. This was seen as a coup-like power transfer. The army said it was to maintain stability, but the outcome was continued military dominance, sparking discontent among citizens. At present the Chad's government is a transitional military-led regime under President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno.
7. Guinea – 2021
In 2021, President Alpha Condé of Guinea was overthrown by a military coup led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. Condé's bid for a third term, which many viewed as undemocratic, was the cause of the annoyance. As a result, a military transitional government was established with the promise of future elections.
8. Burkina Faso – 2022
In 2022, there were two coups in Burkina Faso. First, in January, when troops ousted President Roch Kaboré, giving reasons that he had not prevented Islamist attacks. Then, later in September, Captain Ibrahim Traoré succeeded another military commander. As a result, a younger military government assumed power and made assurances that security would be restored.
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9. Niger – 2023
General Abdourahmane Tchiani, the head of Niger's presidential guard, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023. Conflicts with the military and security lapses against jihadist violence were the cause. Stronger military rule, international sanctions, and the suspension of democracy were the results.
10. Gabon – 2023
Shortly after President Ali Bongo was declared the winner of the disputed election in 2023, military officers in Gabon staged a coup. The government was charged by the army with corruption and fraud. The result was the overthrow of Bongo and the establishment of a military transitional government.
Here is the data in easy table format to help you to understand easily.
Country | Continent | Year | Reason For the Coup/Takhtapalat/Defeat |
---|---|---|---|
Nepal | Asia | 2025 | Social media ban, widespread youth (Gen Z) protests, anger over corruption, nepotism, and mismanagement of public funds |
Bangladesh | Asia | 2024 | Student and youth protests against quota policy, general anti-government sentiment, violent crackdowns, military stepped in to restore order. |
Mali | Africa | 2020 | Dissatisfaction with the President, failure to address corruption, weak governance, widespread public support for a coup |
Myanmar | Asia | 2021 | Military’s claim of election fraud, drive to maintain control, and political and economic stakes for military leadership. |
Sudan | Africa | 2021 | The military’s fear of civilian oversight, protection of military economic interests, and resistance to transition to full civilian rule |
Chad | Africa | 2021 | Power grab after the President’s death, opposition suppression, calls for rapid elections, and ongoing rebel conflict |
Guinea | Africa | 2021 | Ouster of ageing president, allegations of human rights abuses, corruption, and mismanagement |
Burkina Faso | Africa | 2022 | Military’s dissatisfaction with government’s failure against Islamist insurgency, poor performance, pay delays, Russia/France rivalry |
Niger | Africa | 2023 | Military frustration with the government's response to insecurity, threats from armed groups |
Gabon | Africa | 2023 | Accusations against the government of rigged elections, the military seized power after a disputed vote. |