EMMANUEL PETER ADAYEHI PhD
Lead-In
The Benin Republic has enjoyed 35 years of uninterrupted democracy, benefitting from improved governance and infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, and access to free education. Similarly, Rwanda has achieved relative stability since the 1994 genocide, largely due to President Paul Kagame’s leadership. However, Africa’s democracy faces significant threats, as many leaders neglect fundamental electoral principles essential for a genuinely representative government. Consequently, citizens are disillusioned, viewing democracy not as “government of the people, by the people, for the people,” but as a ripe system for exploitation. This disillusionment can create an environment where coups are welcomed.
Guarding democracy is primarily the responsibility of ECOWAS and Nigeria, a key power bloc in West Africa. Recent military interventions, especially Nigeria’s in the Benin Republic, raise critical questions about their effectiveness and legitimacy. The alarming trend of democratic backsliding—marked by coups, electoral fraud, and corruption—continues to erode public trust. According to the African Development Bank, military coups have surged by 35% since 2000, further damaging the integrity of electoral processes.
Historical events illustrate this trend: General Sani Abacha’s manipulations in Sierra Leone are a case in point. In Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intentions regarding Niger faced resistance from northern politicians, who referred to their competitors as “brothers,” underscoring the complex dynamics that often obstruct democratic progress.
Preamble
Under President Bio of Sierra Leone, who currently chairs ECOWAS, the region has experienced both successful and failed coups, particularly in Guinea-Bissau. Following Nigeria’s intervention in the Benin Republic, President Talon arrested coup plotters involved in an attempted coup, raising alarms about the “Coup Contagion” in West Africa, driven by misguided leadership practices. Historical context, including Major Gideon Okar’s failed coup attempt in Nigeria in 1991, serves as a warning for the upcoming 2027 general elections.
The military coup in Guinea-Bissau highlights elevated tensions fueled by authoritarian leadership. Public protests erupted following the president’s dismissal of the finance minister, perceived as a potential successor. Additionally, proposed constitutional amendments have been viewed as betrayals of democratic values, further alienating citizens. History shows that military governance undermines the social contract of democracies, leading to a growing belief that such measures may be justified.
ECOWAS’s struggles to act decisively against unchecked leadership behaviors foster a climate of impunity, complicating citizen-government relationships. Politicians often deploy the military to quash civilian protests, legitimizing military rule as a corrective measure.
The coup in Guinea-Bissau serves as a critical lesson for ECOWAS and President Bio. The president’s threats against international bodies reveal the precarious state of governance and its implications for democracy. Manipulating electoral timelines for political gain reflects a strategic evasion of electoral defeat when facing significant opposition.
The Peril of Democratic Backsliding
The African populace increasingly views democracy as unattainable due to leaders’ failures to uphold electoral processes. For instance, a woman in the Benin Republic was charged with terrorism and sentenced to 20 years for highlighting electoral discrepancies, illustrating the crisis severity. Such events reinforce the perception that African leadership often deviates from constitutional norms, undermining democracy’s core principles.
Critics question Nigeria’s military interventions, arguing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision to deploy troops abroad distracts from pressing domestic issues like Boko Haram and rampant banditry. This double standard erodes government credibility and accountability.
This analysis calls for a reevaluation of ECOWAS’s role in protecting democracy across the region. Proactive measures must be adopted to safeguard democratic institutions and create an environment where electoral laws and citizens’ rights are rigorously upheld. Restoring governance legitimacy and reinforcing democratic accountability are critical.
Wrap-Up
As Africa confronts the fallout from military coups and the erosion of democratic norms, unified efforts are vital to restore the electoral system. Citizens deserve the right to freely and fairly elect their representatives; strategies must mitigate the risks associated with military rule.
The narrative must shift from despair to empowerment, encouraging citizens to reclaim their role in the democratic process. In light of Africa’s complex leadership history, the call to action is clear: cultivate collaborative networks across the continent, promote trade relations, and boost economic productivity. Embracing democratic ideals, as championed by notable African leaders, is essential. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must avoid unilateral choices that threaten democracy in Nigeria and the geopolitical stability of West Africa. A united Africa is crucial for building a resilient future where citizens’ voices are acknowledged and respected.
Advice
1. Strengthen Democratic Institutions: Develop robust institutions capable of withstanding manipulation and ensuring accountability.
2. Promote Citizen Participation: Encourage active citizen engagement in the democratic process and oversight of leadership.
3. Enhance Regional Cooperation: Foster collaboration among African nations to collectively advance democracy and stability.
4. Address Poverty and Inequality: Tackle socio-economic issues that contribute to instability and hinder democratic processes.
In conclusion, democracy in Africa is under threat, and urgent action is needed to confront the continent’s challenges. The people demand a governance system that is fair, transparent, and accountable. Now is the time for African leaders to prioritize democracy and stability, collaborating to forge a brighter future for the continent.
Appendices
– Figure 1: Map of West Africa highlighting countries with recent military interventions.
– Figure 2: Graph depicting trends in military coups and electoral malpractices across Africa over the past two decades.
– Figure 3: Matrix outlining key recommendations for advancing democracy and stability in Africa.
This comprehensive examination of democracy and military interventions in Africa demands immediate action. The challenges are significant, but the potential for positive change is equally profound. As the continent stands at a crossroads, every effort must be made to ensure that democracy not only survives but thrives.