Two years after Niger’s July 26, 2023 coup d’état, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the country remains mired in political and socio-economic deadlock. Former head of the presidential guard, Tiani justified overthrowing President Bazoum by citing security failures and excessive foreign—particularly French—influence. Reactions from ECOWAS, including sanctions and the threat of military intervention, along with France’s stance, bolstered the CNSP’s nationalist image. Yet, continued closure of the border with Benin, soaring prices, and worsening poverty have deepened public disillusionment. Bazoum and his wife remain under house arrest, symbolizing an unfinished transition. Despite sovereignist rhetoric, the current government has failed to improve the economy or security. The future remains uncertain, with the risk that the pursuit of dignity could lead to prolonged insecurity, authoritarianism, and widespread poverty.

Sovereignty, Governance, Coup d'État

This panel, organized by Afrikajom Center in Dakar, brought together intellectuals, researchers, and civil society actors to examine the resurgence of military coups in West Africa. Discussions highlighted the failure of democratic transitions, the decline of the Baule model, widespread corruption, constitutional manipulation, and the perceived illegitimacy of ECOWAS. Speakers, including Gilles Yabi, Ndioro Ndiaye, and Abdoulaye Bathily, stressed the importance of military ethics, geopolitical shifts, and the weakening of rule of law and political representation. The debate underscored citizens’ growing support for military takeovers in contexts where civilian governments fail. Recommendations emphasized the need for endogenous reforms, strict term limits, strengthened democratic institutions, and the inclusion of civil society in regional governance frameworks. The event concluded with a call for bold, culturally rooted actions to address West Africa’s democratic and security crises.

Governance, Democracy, Crisis, Réforme, Coup d'État

The article "The Return of the Silent Force to Power in West Africa" by Bah Traoré, published on August 3, 2023, on WATHI, analyzes the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These events echo the 1970s and 1980s, characterized by frequent coups. The author notes that the democratic transition initiated in the 1990s did not meet the populations' expectations regarding governance and reducing inequalities. In Niger, despite a relatively stable security situation compared to its neighbors, the military seized power, citing reasons similar to those in Mali and Burkina Faso. Niger has become a strategic base for Western countries in the fight against terrorism, while diversifying its partnerships, notably with Turkey for the acquisition of military drones.

Governance, Terrorism, Military activity, Coup d'État

The article "The Democratic Backslide in West Africa" examines the regression of democratic processes in this region, once considered a model of democratization. It highlights the resurgence of military coups, notably in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which undermine political stability. Simultaneously, human rights violations are increasing, with heightened repression of dissenting voices, media censorship, and arbitrary detentions, eroding fundamental freedoms. The article sheds light on the formation of informal alliances among authoritarian leaders, fostering the perpetuation of anti-democratic practices. This situation echoes post-independence periods marked by chronic political instability. The author calls for a deep reflection on mechanisms for democratic consolidation to reverse this concerning trend.

Governance, Democracy, Human Rights, Coup d'État, Instabilité

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) paper published in June 2024 analyses the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government (UCGs) in West Africa since 2020, particularly in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Niger. It highlights that these successive coups reveal structural weaknesses and complex socio-political challenges specific to each country, requiring a specific approach rather than a uniform vision of a “contagion” of coups. The paper criticises ECOWAS’s response, deemed ineffective, and calls for a reassessment of strategies for managing military transitions. It also recommends that international partners engage constructively without legitimising coups and emphasises the strengthening of regional instruments to respond to violations of democratic governance by elected governments.

Governance, Democracy, Transition, Coup d'État

The article criticizes the insistence of international actors on the rapid holding of elections in Mali, which leads to a “fetishization” of democratic forms without addressing the country’s structural problems. After the 2021 coup, the Assises nationales de la refondation attempted to identify solutions to multiple crises, but external pressures on obscure efforts. ECOWAS, by imposing sanctions and focusing on an electoral calendar, ignores the essential reforms necessary for Malian governance. The article warns of the risk of a lasting authoritarian drift and calls for innovative and adapted solutions emanating from Malians.

Governance, Election, Coup d'État

The Crisis Group report (No. 304, 21 September 2021) examines Mali’s transition following the August 2020 and May 2021 coups. The ousting of President IBK sparked a powerful popular demand for change, but armed violence continues. The junta, led by Assimi Goïta, seeks to meet expectations through promised elections and creation of a National Transition Council, under pressure from ECOWAS and the international community. However, institutions remain weak, electoral timelines are repeatedly postponed, and military entrenchment was solidified by a 2023 constitutional referendum that may lock in power. Crisis Group urges adherence to transition timelines, credible elections, and inclusion of civil society to avoid authoritarian backsliding and fulfill citizens’ demands for genuine change.

Governance, Election, Crisis, Transition, Coup d'État