A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF MILITARY TAKEOVERS IN WEST AFRICA 2020-2023. A THREAT TO DEMOCRACY

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

There is a lengthy history of military involvement in politics in West Africa. Many of the region's post-colonial nations saw military takeovers, which were frequently defended by the armed forces as required to combat instability, corruption, and poor governance. Many times, these coups resulted in protracted military rule with variable degrees of repression and authoritarianism. A major change occurred throughout the 1990s and early 2000s when several West African countries ratified constitutions, held multiparty elections, and worked to fortify democratic institutions in preparation for the changeover to democratic governance (World Bank, 2022). There has been a rise of military takeovers in this region, which was once praised as a model of democratic growth. A number of the region's nations Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon saw military takeovers between 2020 and 2023, which sabotaged democratic advancements and jeopardized regional stability.

The democratic progress in West Africa has been impeded by the recurrence of military coups between 2020 and 2023 (Omilusi, 2024). There have been military takeovers of nations like Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, each with its unique set of events and reasons. The military in Mali gave the following explanations for the August 2020 coup: public discontent with the government, corruption, and instability (BBC News, 2021). Similarly, allegations of constitutional manipulation and governmental corruption served as justification for the military takeover of Guinea in September 2021 (Al Jazeera, 2021). Two military coups occurred in Burkina Faso in 2022 as a result of dissatisfaction with the perceived inefficiency of the government and the rising bloodshed from Islamist insurgencies (Reuters, 2022).

These military interventions have profound implications for the region's democratic trajectory. The legitimacy of democratic institutions is weakened by the frequent coups, and popular confidence in civilian government is decreased. Constitutions are frequently suspended, democratic institutions are dissolved, and military government is imposed; these events may be followed by violations of human rights and the repression of political dissent. These takeovers also produce instability, which has negative economic effects by discouraging investment and escalating poverty and underdevelopment.

In an effort to restore constitutional order, the international community including groups like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) has denounced these military takeovers and levied sanctions (Al Jazeera, 2023).. Nevertheless, there hasn't been much progress in undoing the coups or stopping more military involvement thanks to these efforts. The contradictory reactions and uneven levels of sanction enforcement underscore the difficulties faced by regional and global diplomacy in dealing with military takeovers.

The security, stability, and democratic ideals in West Africa are seriously threatened by this current series of military coups. Military operations are made possible by the region's inadequate governance frameworks, persistent socioeconomic problems, and frail democratic institutions. The goal of the research is to assess the military coups that occurred in West Africa between 2020 and 2023 critically, looking at their root causes, effects, and implications for regional security and democracy by examining the intricate mechanisms underlying these events.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The period from 2020 to 2023 has witnessed a resurgence of military takeovers in the region, raising significant concerns about the fragility of democratic institutions and the prospects for sustainable governance. Military interventions have a history in West Africa, where there have been multiple coups in nations like Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso. Nonetheless, the early 21st century saw a period of comparatively stable democratic advancement in the region. Between 2020 and 2023, military coups were carried out in a number of countries, including Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Mali.

Following widespread demonstrations against his administration, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta of Mali was overthrown by the military in August 2020. In May 2021, there was another coup that contributed to the nation's instability and undermined attempts to set up a transitional government (BBC News, 2021). President Alpha Condé was deposed in September 2021 by a military coup headed by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. President Condé had been seeking a contentious third term in power. The military justified this coup by blaming it on pervasive corruption and poor economic management (Al Jazeera, 2021). President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was overthrown in a coup in January 2022, with Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba leading the revolution and blaming the government's inability to properly quell Islamist insurgencies and maintain security (Reuters, 2022). 

In an effort to restore constitutional order, the International Community including groups like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) has denounced these military takeovers and levied sanctions. Nevertheless, there hasn't been much progress in undoing the coups or stopping more military involvement thanks to these efforts. The contradictory reactions and uneven levels of sanction enforcement underscore the difficulties faced by regional and global diplomacy in dealing with military takeovers. In addition to providing ideas for averting more military interventions and advancing long-term democratic governance in the region, this project seeks to advance knowledge of the obstacles to democratic consolidation in West Africa.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

This study's main goal is to analyze the military takeovers that have returned to West Africa between 2020 and 2023 critically and to determine how they will affect the region's democracy. The goals that follow will serve as the guidelines for achieving them.

To comprehend the underlying reasons behind the sub-region's resurgence of military takeovers 

To assess how these interventions are undermining democracy, the economy, and the general well-being of the populace. 

To assess how international and regional organizations responded to military takeovers in West Africa 

To think about potential strategies to stop military interventions from happening again 

1.4 Research Questions

What are the main reasons why military takeovers in West Africa keep happening? 

How do these interventions notably undermine democracy, the economy, and the general well-being of the populace? 

What is the reaction of regional and global institutions to these military coups in West Africa? 

How may the resurgence of military involvement in West Africa be prevented? 

1.5 Significance of the Study

Through an understanding of the factors that have led to these coups and their impact on democratic governance, the main goal of this study is to critically assess the resurgence of military takeovers in West Africa, reasons for the resurgence after  a period of relative and assess their implications for democracy in the region within the allotted time frame. Furthermore, by identifying the underlying factors that lead to military takeovers, this research will eventually improve security, stability, and peace throughout the West African region. The study will appraise how military takeovers have undermined democracy, economic viability and the general wellbeing of the populace. It will pose understanding of international and regional organizations have responded to the trend of re-emergence of military in governance in West Africa.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is focused on the West Africa as a sub-region, particularly on the nations of Mali (2020 and 2022), Guinea (2022), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023), which have all seen military coups throughout the designated period. The main analysis period runs from January 2020 to December 2023. This period of time was selected to cover the most recent wave of military takeovers and assess the short and long-term effects on democracy. An assessment of the political and economic factors that have contributed to the recurrence of military coups, such as concerns with governance, corruption, election systems, and political instability are areas the research paid attention to. 

1.7 Limitations of the Study

Numerous obstacles faced the researcher as they moved forward with this investigation. Among the most important ones was the availability and accessibility of trustworthy and current information regarding military takeovers and the consolidation of democracy in West Africa. The researcher was further hampered by the scarcity of knowledge on the inner workings of military regimes and their decision-making processes, particularly in countries under military authority.

The study's major focus on the years 2020–2023 might make it more difficult to completely understand how the military takeovers have affected society over the long run. Certain effects of these occurrences might take longer to manifest, especially in terms of political stability and economic growth. Even though the study only looks at a few nations, its conclusions could not apply to all of West Africa. The historical, political, and social backgrounds of every nation are distinct and can have an impact on the type and consequences of military takeovers. Lastly, one of the main things that prevented this research from going farther was the cost of doing a thorough, wide-ranging study.

1.8 Research Methodology

This study uses historical approaches in a qualitative research methodology. Along with scholarly publications, books, and reports, a thorough analysis of the body of research on military takeovers, democratic consolidation, and regional security in West Africa was conducted. Additionally, a thorough analysis of the four West African nations that have seen military takeovers Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger was conducted. To gather information on the political, social, and economic circumstances in the impacted nations, reports from governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations (such as the United Nations, African Union, and ECOWAS) were examined in depth.

The primary goal of the descriptive study is to give a thorough explanation of the military takeovers and how they affected West African democracy. It aims to provide a description of the incidents, examine their causes and effects, and assess the reactions of local, national, and international players.

1.9 Definition of Terms

Military takeover: A military takeover, often known as a military coup or coup d'état, is the abrupt and illegal overthrow of a government by the armed forces or other state-affiliated elite groups. 

Threat: A scenario, condition, or occurrence that has the potential to put something or someone in danger or inflict harm is referred to as a threat. 

Democracy: Democracy is a form of governance where the people themselves hold the authority to rule either directly or through representatives who are freely elected.