Spate of Coups in West Africa Threaten Democracy

The recent wave of military coups in West Africa has raised concerns about the region’s democratic progress and stability.

President Bola Tinubu has warned that these unconstitutional changes threaten the democratic gains that the region has made over the years.

The president’s statement came during the official launch of the ECOWAS Golden Jubilee in Accra, Ghana, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.

The region has experienced a surge in military takeovers since 2021, with four countries – Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger – falling under military rule. ECOWAS, the regional economic community, has condemned each coup and imposed sanctions on the offending countries to pressure them to return to civilian rule. However, this approach has created tension and led to the exit of three countries – Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – from the bloc.

The junta-led countries have accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and of imposing sanctions that harm their populations. They have also rejected ECOWAS’ request to reconsider their decision to leave the bloc. In response, the three countries have formed an economic pact known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

President Tinubu’s call for renewed commitment to unity and solidarity among member states is timely. The ECOWAS Golden Jubilee celebrations mark a new chapter for the bloc, and it is an opportunity for member states to reflect on their shared values and collective responsibility. The president’s emphasis on the need for sustained and constructive dialogue with the junta-led countries that have pulled out of ECOWAS is also crucial.

The situation in West Africa is complex, and there are no easy solutions. However, it is clear that the region needs to find a way to balance its commitment to democratic principles with the need to address the security challenges that many countries face. The formation of the AES by the three countries that have exited ECOWAS is a significant development, and it remains to be seen how this new alliance will impact the region’s dynamics.

In the short term, ECOWAS needs to engage in a dialogue with the junta-led countries to understand their concerns and find a way to address them. This could involve providing support to help these countries address their security challenges, such as terrorism and insurgency. At the same time, ECOWAS needs to ensure that its institutions are effective, relevant, and credible, and that they are able to meet the challenges of the region.

In the long term, the region needs to find a way to prevent military coups and promote democratic governance. This could involve strengthening institutions, such as parliaments and judiciaries, and promoting economic development and social justice. The region also needs to find a way to address the root causes of instability, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education and healthcare.

The ECOWAS Golden Jubilee celebrations provide an opportunity for the region to reflect on its progress and challenges. It is a time for member states to reaffirm their commitment to democratic principles and to find a way to work together to address the region’s challenges. The Nigerian president’s call for renewed commitment to unity and solidarity is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that other member states will follow suit.

The ECOWAS Golden Jubilee celebrations provide an opportunity for the region to reflect on its progress and challenges. The Nigerian president’s call for renewed commitment to unity and solidarity is a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that other member states will follow suit. The region needs to find a way to balance its commitment to democratic principles with the need to address the security challenges that many countries face. With determination and cooperation, ECOWAS can overcome its challenges and promote economic development, social justice, and democratic governance in the region.