| Afghanistan | Transition to Taliban rule | 15 August 2021 | Ongoing |
- - From 2001 to 2021, Afghanistan experienced periods of governance under various administrations, including that of interim president Hamid Karzai after the Taliban's ousting in 2001.
- - In August 2021, Afghanistan faced a significant political upheaval as the Taliban swiftly regained control, leading to the collapse of the internationally recognized Afghan government under President Ashraf Ghani.
- - Today, Afghanistan grapples with Taliban rule, marked by uncertainty and concerns over human rights and governance, amidst ongoing instability and conflict.
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| Egypt | Revolution leading to military rule | 25 January 2011 | 30 June 2012 |
- - In 2011, Egypt underwent a revolution that led to the ousting of President Mubarak, beginning on 25 January and culminating in his official resignation on 11 February. Subsequently, the military assumed power, dissolved the parliament, and suspended the constitution, marking a period of political instability and transition from 2011 to 2012.
- - During this time, Egypt faced challenges in maintaining stable governance, with protests against the military regime and calls for democratic elections.
- - The military state in Egypt lasted until President Mohamed Morsi was installed on 30 June 2012, ending the period of military rule.
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| Spain | Revolution leading to military rule | 17 July 1936 | 1 April 1939 |
- - During the revolution against Franco, Spain experienced a period without a stable government. This tumultuous time lasted for three years until 1939 when Franco emerged victorious and established his government.
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| Yemen | Political turmoil | 2014 | Ongoing |
- - Yemen experienced political turmoil after the 2011 Yemeni Revolution, leading to President Saleh's resignation in 2012. President Hadi assumed leadership to guide Yemen towards stability, facing challenges in implementing reforms and restructuring institutions.
- - In 2014, Houthi rebels, backed by former President Saleh, seized control of Sana'a. President Hadi fled to Aden, sparking a power struggle and escalating into a full-blown civil war, worsening Yemen's instability and humanitarian crisis.
- - Today, Yemen remains fragmented, with Houthi rebels, tribal militias, and extremist groups contesting control. The absence of a functioning central government has led to widespread violence, humanitarian suffering, and the deterioration of basic services and infrastructure.
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| Somalia | Political turmoil | 1991 | Ongoing |
- - From 1991 to 2006, Somalia experienced a prolonged period of instability and lack of central governance following the ousting of dictator Siad Barre. During this time, the country operated without a functioning government, relying on traditional systems of governance such as the Xeer, where disputes were settled by councils of elders.
- - In 2006, efforts were made to establish a Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia, aiming to restore central authority and stability. However, the TFG faced challenges in asserting control over the entire country due to opposition from various factions and the presence of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab.
- - Today, Somalia remains politically fragmented, with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) controlling parts of the country, including the capital Mogadishu, while other regions are governed by autonomous entities and regional administrations. Despite ongoing international efforts to support state-building and security reforms, Somalia's stability and security remain precarious.
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| South Sudan | Political turmoil | 2013 | Ongoing |
- - After gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan was plunged into civil war in 2013 following a rift between President Salva Kiir Mayardit and his dismissed vice president, Riek Machar. The conflict, driven by ethnic divisions, resulted in widespread violence and instability, leading to periods of governance vacuum in certain regions. Despite a peace agreement in 2018, which aimed to facilitate national elections, political elites continue to struggle with corruption and economic challenges, while civilians, journalists, and aid workers face ongoing atrocities.
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| Libya | Political turmoil | 2011 | Ongoing |
- - In 2011, Libya underwent a significant political upheaval following the ousting of Muammar Gaddafi. Subsequently, the country entered a state of political instability characterized by the absence of a functioning central government. All authority was vested in a committee of the nation's military leaders for the duration of a state of emergency, leading to the suspension of constitutional provisions for government.
- - The political turmoil and fragmentation persisted, with rival factions vying for power and control. However, the situation remains unresolved to this day, with ongoing violence and instability continuing to plague the nation.
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| Gabon | Political turmoil | August 2023 | Ongoing |
- - Gabon experienced a significant political upheaval in August 2023, marked by a coup that ended the 56-year rule of the Bongo family. Led by high-ranking Republican Guard officers, the coup swiftly deposed long-standing President Ali Bongo Ondimba. This transition ushered in a new era of uncertainty, with a transitional government led by General Brice Oligui Nguema.
- - The dissolution of the Bongo dynasty's longstanding rule reflects both political continuity and the need for change in Gabon's governance landscape.
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| Iraq | Political deadlock | 2010 | Lasted for 289 days |
- - In 2010, Iraq experienced a post-election deadlock that lasted for 289 days, during which the country operated without a head of state or cabinet. This period of political uncertainty followed the parliamentary elections held earlier that year.
- - As a result of the deadlock, Iraq broke the record for the longest period without a government, highlighting the challenges in forming a stable administration amidst political divisions and competing interests. During this time, Iraq faced significant governance challenges and struggled to address pressing issues facing the country.
- - The political deadlock in Iraq ended on December 21, 2010, after 289 days, with the formation of a new government led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for a second term, following extensive negotiations and compromises among political factions.
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| Belgium | Political deadlock | 2011 | lasted for 589 days |
- - In 2011, Belgium faced a governmental crisis lasting 589 days, triggered by the inability of the two main political parties to form a coalition government after elections. This prolonged period without a functioning government resulted in significant challenges in governance and decision-making processes.
- - Day-to-day affairs were managed by a temporary government led by a former prime minister, which assumed responsibilities akin to a regular administration, ensuring essential functions continued despite the absence of a formal government structure.
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| Myanmar | Military Coup | 2021 | Ongoing |
- - 1962: Military coup led by General Ne Win ousted civilian government; military rule established. Lasted until 1974 when Ne Win declared a one-party socialist state.
- - 1988: Pro-democracy protests led to military seizing power; military junta established. Lasted until 2011 when gradual transition to civilian rule began.
- - 2021: Military coup d'état; civilian leaders detained; ongoing political turmoil and resistance movements. Ongoing, no resolution yet.
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| Sudan | Military Coup | 25 October 2021 | Ongoing |
- - Sudan has experienced several coup attempts, including those in 1969, 1985, and 2019, leading to periods without a functioning government.
- - The most recent coup took place on October 25, 2021, when the Sudanese military seized control of the government, suspending constitutional provisions and detaining civilian leaders. This coup marked another chapter in Sudan's history of political instability and military intervention in governance.
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| Niger | Military Coup | 26 July 2023 | Ongoing |
- - On July 26, 2023, a coup d'état took place in Niger, leading to the removal and detention of President Mohamed Bazoum by the country's presidential guard. Following the coup, General Abdourahamane Tchiani proclaimed himself the leader of the country and established the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
- - This event resulted in a period of political instability and the absence of the elected government's authority.
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| Mali | Military Coup | 2021 | Ongoing |
- - In 2021, Mali faced a period without a government following a military coup that removed President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta from power. The coup was preceded by months of political unrest, including protests against Keïta's government over allegations of corruption and electoral fraud.
- - After the military took control, a transitional government was established, led by Colonel Assimi Goïta and other military officers. The transitional government pledged to organize elections and restore civilian rule, but as of 2024 the situation remains fragile, with ongoing concerns about political stability and security in Mali.
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| Burkina Faso | Military Coup | 23–24 January 2022 | Ongoing |
- - 2014: President Blaise Compaore was ousted from power on October 31, after ruling for 27 years. This led to a period of military rule until November 2015.
- - 2015: Transition to civilian democratic governance occurred with democratic elections held in November.
- - 2022: In January 2022, Burkina Faso experienced another disruption in democratic governance when a military-led coup occurred, suspending constitutional government provisions. The coup led to the installation of a military-led transitional government, with General Damien Boeres appointed as interim president. As of the latest available information, General Damien Boeres remains the interim president.
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| Chad | Military Coup | April 2021 | Ongoing |
- - In May 2013, security forces in Chad foiled a coup against President Idriss Deby that had been in preparation for several months, leading to a period of political instability and uncertainty.
- - In April 2021, Chad faced political upheaval after an attempted coup against President Idriss Deby, resulting in his injury and eventual death.
- - Following President Deby's death, power transitioned to his family member, Mahamat Deby, and a Transitional Military Council was established, leading to the dissolution of the National Assembly and the Chadian Government.
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| Guinea | Military Coup | 2021 | Ongoing |
- - Guinea experienced a period without a functioning government in 2021 when the military seized power in a coup d'état. The military dissolved the interim government and announced plans to establish a new administration. This political upheaval marked a significant setback for Guinea's democratic transition, leading to concerns about stability and governance in the country.
- - The situation in Guinea remains fluid as of eaerly 2024, with ongoing developments shaping Guinea's political landscape.
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| Albania | Financial Crisis | 16 January 1997 | 11 August 1997 |
- - In 1997, Albania experienced a collapse of its government due to the financial crisis caused by the collapse of pyramid schemes, leading to widespread civil unrest and the emergence of local town governments, known as National Salvation Committees.
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