This book presents the reality of democratic reversals and waves of coups cutting through Africa, explores the political economy of coups, and through a case study approach, provides a nuanced analysis of the negative impacts of coups in Africa, and interrogates the roles of African regional organisations in curtailing coups and foreign powers in distorting the security architecture of African states, particularly in the Sahel region. It proffers sustainable policy templates for political development, professionalism of the military, and the subsequent withdrawal of the military from African politics. Apart from its policy relevance, it will serve as a resource pool for researchers working in the area of African political development, peace and security, and security sector reforms. With the incremental exit of France from the Sahel, the book will also offer a nuanced perspective on the ‘scramble for the soul’ of the Sahel by non-Western powers, such as China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.