Other documents that may interest you :

• 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,

  Freedom to Inform: A Democratic Safeguard Under Pressure in West Africa? 17/11/2025

  Summary :

  The article examines the severe decline in press freedom across West Africa, highlighted by the 2025 RSF Press Freedom Index. Eleven of the region’s s...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Gambia , Mali , Mauritania , Niger , Nigeria , Senegal , Benin , Ivory Coste , Togo , Guinea , Ghana , Liberia , Guinea-Bissau , Sierra Leone , Cape Verde

  Organizations : WATHI
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Academic analysis and Think Tank / Governance,
Freedom to Inform: A Democratic Safeguard Under Pressure in West Africa? 17/11/2025
Summary :
The article examines the severe decline in press freedom across West Africa, highlighted by the 2025 RSF Press Freedom Index. Eleven of the region’s sixteen countries fell in the ranking, with dramatic drops in Guinea (-31 positions), Burkina Faso (-19), and Guinea-Bissau (-18). This regression reflects a shrinking civic space driven by military regimes, media suspensions, arrests of journalists, and state propaganda. Even countries without constitutional breakdowns, such as Senegal and Benin, face major challenges—economic collapse of the media sector in Senegal and restrictive digital legislation in Benin. In this context, organizations like the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) have become essential, providing training, protection, and visibility to journalists through initiatives such as WAMECA 2025. The article also warns about the surge of disinformation campaigns targeting the region and stresses the importance of public digital infrastructures to maintain a democratic, open, and reliable information space.
Keywords :
State, Democracy, Liberté de presse, Disinformation
Organizations :
WATHI
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• Podcast / Governance,

  There will be no ECOWAS of the people with authoritarian states and gagged citizens 26/08/2025

  Summary :

  The article “There will be no ECOWAS of the people with authoritarian states and gagged citizens,” by Pape Abdou Ndour, published on August 24, 2025 b...

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  Country : Burkina Faso , Mali , Niger

  Organizations : WATHI
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Podcast / Governance,
There will be no ECOWAS of the people with authoritarian states and gagged citizens 26/08/2025
Summary :
The article “There will be no ECOWAS of the people with authoritarian states and gagged citizens,” by Pape Abdou Ndour, published on August 24, 2025 by WATHI – Think Tank citoyen, emphasizes that ECOWAS––founded in 1975––has fostered a sense of belonging among diverse West African populations and contributed significantly to regional peace and security. Yet, this anniversary coincides with troubling developments: the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, the normalization of violence, growing impunity, erosion of fundamental freedoms, and increasing militarization. The author argues that without adherence to democracy, rule of law, and citizens’ rights, there can be no “ECOWAS of the people.” The rising trend of sovereignty-driven resistance to integration is depicted as a serious threat to regional peace and development.
Keywords :
Politics, Governance, Democracy, Liberté, Regional integration
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 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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