THE RESURGENCE OF MILITARY COUPS IN WEST AFRICA (2020–2023): A CHALLENGE TO DEMOCRATIC CONSOLIDATION

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background to the Study West Africa has a long-standing history of military involvement in political affairs. In the aftermath of colonial rule, many countries in the region experienced military coups, often justified by the armed forces as necessary responses to widespread instability, corruption, and misgovernance. These interventions frequently led to extended periods of military rule, often marked by authoritarianism and varying levels of repression. However, a significant transition occurred during the 1990s and early 2000s, when several West African nations adopted democratic constitutions, embraced multiparty elections, and began the process of strengthening democratic institutions (World Bank, 2022). In recent years, however, a worrying resurgence of military coups has emerged in a region once regarded as a beacon of democratic progress. Between 2020 and 2023, several countries—including Mali, Guinea, Sudan, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon—witnessed military takeovers that disrupted democratic governance and posed significant threats to regional stability. This return to military rule has slowed the momentum of democratic consolidation in the region (Omilusi, 2024). The coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, though context-specific, share common triggers such as public dissatisfaction, governmental corruption, and rising insecurity. In Mali, the military cited public outrage over corruption and instability as reasons for the August 2020 coup (BBC News, 2021). Likewise, the military takeover in Guinea in September 2021 was justified by claims of constitutional violations and endemic corruption (Al Jazeera, 2021). Burkina Faso experienced two successive coups in 2022, driven by frustration over the government's inability to control rising Islamist insurgencies and maintain public safety (Reuters, 2022). These events have far-reaching consequences for democracy in the region. Repeated military interventions erode the credibility of democratic institutions and weaken citizens’ trust in civilian governance. Constitutions are often suspended, elected bodies dissolved, and military regimes imposed—frequently accompanied by human rights violations and the suppression of political opposition. Furthermore, the instability resulting from these coups undermines economic development, discourages foreign investment, and exacerbates poverty and underdevelopment. Efforts by international organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU), to restore democratic governance through sanctions and diplomatic pressure have largely been ineffective (Al Jazeera, 2023). Inconsistent responses and weak enforcement of sanctions reflect the challenges regional and global actors face in countering military encroachments on political power. This wave of military coups represents a serious threat to democratic norms, security, and development in West Africa. Structural weaknesses in governance, persistent socioeconomic challenges, and fragile democratic institutions have created a conducive environment for military interference. This study seeks to critically examine the resurgence of military coups in West Africa between 2020 and 2023 by exploring their root causes, consequences, and broader implications for democratic stability and regional security. 1.2 Statement of the Problem Between 2020 and 2023, West Africa witnessed a disturbing return of military coups, raising critical questions about the durability of democratic institutions and the sustainability of democratic governance in the region. Although military takeovers have historically occurred in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso, the early 21st century was marked by relatively consistent democratic progress. This recent pattern of coups in countries such as Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso signals a troubling reversal. In Mali, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was deposed by the military in August 2020 following widespread protests against his administration. A subsequent coup in May 2021 further destabilized the country, derailing efforts to establish a transitional government (BBC News, 2021). In September 2021, Guinea’s President Alpha Condé was removed from office by a military junta led by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya. The coup was justified on the grounds of rampant corruption and mismanagement, particularly after Condé sought a controversial third term (Al Jazeera, 2021). In January 2022, Burkina Faso experienced a military coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who blamed the government’s failure to curb Islamist insurgencies and ensure national security (Reuters, 2022). Regional organizations like ECOWAS and the AU, along with the broader international community, condemned these takeovers and imposed sanctions in an attempt to restore constitutional order. However, these efforts have largely failed to reverse the coups or deter further military interventions. The inconsistent responses and uneven application of sanctions underscore the complex diplomatic challenges of addressing authoritarian regressions in the region. This situation reveals deeper obstacles to democratic consolidation in West Africa. The current study aims to investigate these challenges by evaluating the conditions that facilitate military interventions and by identifying their long-term effects on regional governance. Additionally, the research will provide insights and recommendations aimed at promoting democratic resilience and preventing future military incursions into civilian political space. 1.3 Objectives of the Study This study's main goal is to analyze the Resurgence of Military Coups in West Africa (2020–2023): A Challenge to Democratic Consolidation and to determine how they will affect the region's democracy. The goals that follow will serve as the guidelines for achieving them. i.To comprehend the underlying reasons behind the sub-region's resurgence of military takeovers  ii.To assess how these interventions are undermining democracy, the economy, and the general well-being of the populace.  iii.To assess how international and regional organizations responded to military takeovers in West Africa  iv.To think about potential strategies to stop military interventions from happening again  1.4 Research Questions i.What are the main reasons why military takeovers in West Africa keep happening?  ii.How do these interventions notably undermine democracy, the economy, and the general well-being of the populace?  iii.What is the reaction of regional and global institutions to these military coups in West Africa?  iv.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.