Why would the people rise up against the attempted coup? Because they have long memories, perhaps? Because they remember what it was like last time? Because they remember loved ones being taken away for days and weeks on end? Because they remember being barred from travelling from village to village? Because they remember that, far from bringing freedom and upholding democracy, the people’s freedoms were trampled, arbitrary arrest was widespread, individual rights were undermined and the economy collapsed. Whatever the faults of the government — and there are no doubt many — nobody wants to return to those days.
Last modified: 16 July 2016
