The manner in which Arab nations transition power can vary significantly, moving beyond the common perceptions of military coups or electoral processes. In some monarchies, the change in leadership has originated from within the ruling family itself. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, King Saud's reign concluded in 1964 when he was compelled to abdicate, and his brother Faisal took over. This transfer of power was linked to internal family and decision-making center struggles.
Similar instances of intra-family transitions can be observed in Oman and Qatar. In Oman, Sultan Said bin Taimur was ousted in July 1970 by his son Qaboos. In Qatar, Sheikh Ahmad bin Ali Al Thani was removed from power in 1972, and his cousin Khalifa bin Hamad took control. Another transition occurred in 1995 when Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa ousted his father in a bloodless operation. These examples illustrate that the palace itself can be a site of conflict, and not all changes in leadership originate from the barracks.
The United Arab Emirates presents a distinct case of power transition, differing from the typical models of presidential or monarchical systems. The UAE was formed as a federation of previously independent emirates, each with its local governance. In December 1971, the UAE was officially announced, and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was elected as the first president. Upon his death in 2004, his son Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan succeeded him. Following Sheikh Khalifa's death on May 13, 2022, his brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was elected as the new president.
The transition in the UAE underlines a gradual shift in political weight within the system, preceding the official handover of power. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed had increasingly taken on significant roles in managing the country's affairs, especially during the later years of Sheikh Khalifa's reign and his illness. This model deviates from the military coups and bloodless removals seen in other Arab nations.
Tunisia's experience with power transition offers another perspective, distinct from overt military coups. In November 1987, President Habib Bourguiba was removed from power, with Prime Minister Zine El Abidine Ben Ali citing Bourguiba's health as a reason, grounded in constitutional provisions. This process, while formally adhering to the constitution, has been described as a "white revolution" or a "medical coup."
The situation in Algeria in January 1992, where President Chadli Bendjedid stepped down amid an electoral crisis and mounting pressure from the military establishment, also warrants a nuanced understanding. Describing this solely as a coup overlooks the complexities of the political and military crisis surrounding his departure.
Sudan's history of power transitions reflects a complex interplay between popular protests and military interventions. The country has witnessed instances where military coups and popular uprisings have intertwined to effect changes in leadership. For example, protests led to the ousting of President Gaafar Nimeiry in 1985, and later, Omar al-Bashir was removed in 2019 following widespread demonstrations.
Key points
- The pathways to power transition in Arab countries can include intra-family shifts within monarchies, gradual shifts in political influence, and combinations of popular protest and military intervention.
