Other documents that may interest you :

• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,

  Substantive democracy: an alternative for societies of resignation and silencing 25/08/2025

  Summary :

  The article “Substantive democracy: an alternative for societies of resignation and silencing” examines democratic backsliding in West and Central Afr...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Cameroon , Mali , Ivory Coste

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,
Substantive democracy: an alternative for societies of resignation and silencing 25/08/2025
Summary :
The article “Substantive democracy: an alternative for societies of resignation and silencing” examines democratic backsliding in West and Central Africa. Jean-Marc Segoun highlights “hybrid” regimes—whether civilian or military—sustaining power through gerontocracy, clientelism, militarization, and coercive use of law. These systems foster fear, resignation, and silence political opposition while curtailing fundamental freedoms. Recent examples include the dissolution of political parties in Mali, repression in Burkina Faso, civil rights restrictions in Côte d’Ivoire, and entrenched authoritarianism in Cameroon. The author argues that civil society must move beyond neutrality to become a political force proposing viable alternatives. This requires building networks, sharing practices, and inventing new paradigms suited to contexts of repression. “Substantive democracy” is proposed as a framework to resist authoritarianism, regenerate political thought, and offer pathways toward inclusive governance in societies where traditional democracy has been hollowed out.
Keywords :
Governance, Democracy, Civil Society
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Journal article / Governance,

  Countering the Wave of Democratic Backsliding and the Crisis of Democracy in West Africa 24/10/2025

  Summary :

  The article examines the wave of democratic backsliding in West Africa, highlighting main drivers : increased military influence in politics, electora...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Niger , Nigeria , Senegal , Ivory Coste , Togo , Guinea , Ghana , Liberia , Sierra Leone

  Organizations : SAGE Publications (via la revue Insight on Africa)
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Journal article / Governance,
Countering the Wave of Democratic Backsliding and the Crisis of Democracy in West Africa 24/10/2025
Summary :
The article examines the wave of democratic backsliding in West Africa, highlighting main drivers : increased military influence in politics, electoral manipulation, constitutional changes benefiting incumbents, and lack of economic dividends for citizens. To counter this trend, the author suggests (1) addressing causes of military intervention particularly poor socio-economic conditions, (2) building trust in institutions such as the judiciary, media and electoral bodies, and (3) enhancing the role of civil society. Overall, the argument is that only through stronger governance institutions and better socio-economic outcomes for citizens can the trend of democratic decline be reversed.
Keywords :
Governance, Democracy, Institution
Organizations :
SAGE Publications (via la revue Insight on Africa)
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,

  From Côte d’Ivoire to Togo: Stability and Security Do Not Require Lifelong Power 17/06/2025

  Summary :

  The article focuses on rising political discourse in Côte d’Ivoire, led by Laurent Gbagbo, emphasizing that “stability and security do not require lif...

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  Country : Ivory Coste , Togo

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance, Security and human rights,
From Côte d’Ivoire to Togo: Stability and Security Do Not Require Lifelong Power 17/06/2025
Summary :
The article focuses on rising political discourse in Côte d’Ivoire, led by Laurent Gbagbo, emphasizing that “stability and security do not require lifelong power.” It analyzes tensions surrounding the potential fourth term, reactions from the PPA‑CI, and the “Trop c’est trop” movement. Tidjane Thiam joins this momentum, criticizing Alassane Ouattara’s record. The author highlights the risks of prolonged leadership without democratic alternatives. He then turns to Togo, discussing unrest sparked by the arrest of artist Aamron and cracks within Faure Gnassingbé’s inner circle, fueled by an ex-minister’s critique. The piece warns against using force and institutional lock-downs, which threaten social cohesion. In conclusion, the author advocates for respecting democratic rules and peaceful transitions of power.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Security, Democracy, Crisis
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,

  Freedom to Inform: A Democratic Bulwark under Pressure in West Africa? 10/11/2025

  Summary :

  The article titled “Freedom to Inform: A Democratic Bulwark under Pressure in West Africa?” explores how journalism in several West African countries ...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Senegal , Ivory Coste , Guinea

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,
Freedom to Inform: A Democratic Bulwark under Pressure in West Africa? 10/11/2025
Summary :
The article titled “Freedom to Inform: A Democratic Bulwark under Pressure in West Africa?” explores how journalism in several West African countries is increasingly an act of resistance amid growing restrictions. Media outlets face rising authoritarianism, the frequent use of “fake news” laws, online disinformation and financial precarity. The digital space, as a new frontier for democracy, is especially under threat: unregulated platforms, shared data and interoperability raise major concerns for independent, reliable journalism. Journalists’ roles are being redefined: they must verify, connect, simplify and defend everybody’s right to information. The piece emphasises that protecting freedom to inform is essential to safeguard one of democracy’s pillars in the region.
Keywords :
Governance, Democracy, Disinformation
Organizations :
WATHI
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