A briefing paper by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) sheds light on the complex and often paradoxical role of civil society in the Sahel region, where socio-political upheavals and the rise of military regimes have reshaped traditional civic engagements.
Titled Between Repression and Liberation: The Changing Face of Civil Society in the Sahel States, the report explores the dual narratives that define civil society’s trajectory—one of repression under governments that deemed authoritarian and another of collaboration with state actors in reclaiming sovereignty.
The CDD Briefing Paper 2025/1 authored by independent researcher Dr. Lassane Ouédraogo underscores the inherent tensions that have made civil society a contested arena. While many organisations claim to champion democracy and human rights, their increasing alignment with authoritarian military – and civilian – governments raises critical questions about their autonomy and motives. According to the paper, in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger—nations now governed by transitional military regimes—civil society groups like Burkina Faso’s “Wayiyan” and Mali’s “Yerewolo” have emerged as vocal supporters of these governments. This trend, the report suggests, is reflective of a broader ideological shift, where anti-Western, neo-sovereigntist narratives dominate public discourse.
Is Civil Society for Liberation or Neocolonialism?
The report does not shy away from exploring the perception that civil society has become a willing tool of neocolonial interests. Historically, civil society organisations (CSOs) in the Sahel aligned themselves with international norms promoting democracy and human rights, often supported by Western donors. However, this alignment has increasingly been criticised as an extension of foreign influence, undermining national sovereignty.
Dr. Lassane Ouédraogo, the report’s author, highlights this paradox: “The interplay of repression and liberation within civil society obscures its evolving nature. While some CSOs resist authoritarianism, others exploit the rhetoric of sovereignty to justify complicity with military regimes. This duality complicates efforts to establish genuine democratic governance.”
Rising Skepticism of Western Influence
The paper points to a growing distrust of Western nations among Sahelian civil society and governments. This skepticism is rooted in perceived double standards, such as the disparity between Western military support for Ukraine and the Sahel’s battle against terrorism. Such comparisons have fuelled accusations that Western powers prioritise geopolitical interests over genuine partnership with African nations.
Moreover, the expulsion of French military forces from Mali and Burkina Faso, a demand championed by local CSOs, reflects a broader shift towards rejecting perceived neocolonial relationships. Yet, the paper argues that this sovereignty-driven agenda often overshadows the pressing need for democratic reforms, as military regimes consolidate power with the tacit support of civil society actors.
A Fragmented Civic Space
The report also highlights the fragmentation of civil society due to social media’s rise. While platforms like X (Twitter), WhatsApp and Facebook have amplified grassroots voices, they have also facilitated the proliferation of misinformation, undermining traditional CSOs’ credibility. This digital disruption has enabled new, loosely organised groups to dominate public discourse, often at the expense of established pro-democracy organisations.
Lassane’s 2017 conference paper, The Regime of Visibility as an Othering Discourse and a Mechanism for Sovereign Power commends itself to the discourse. There, he argued that “under the regime of visibility, the image of death is brought to the public space allowing sovereign power to be subtly deployed as a mechanism for assuring pastoral care and for distinguishing the Self from the Other.” A reading of the 2017 conference paper alongside this January 2025 commends itself to a reader intent on finding which interest is served by actions on the sides of civil society and government.
Adapt to Strengthen Civil Society’s Role
Despite these challenges, the CDD Briefing Paper calls for adaptive strategies to strengthen civil society’s role in democratic transitions. It urges Western donors to rethink their engagement with Sahelian CSOs, advocating for a collaborative approach that aligns international support with local realities.
The report concludes that civil society in the Sahel is at a crossroads. Whether it becomes a catalyst for genuine democracy or a pawn in the hands of authoritarian regimes will depend on its ability to navigate the delicate balance between resisting repression and avoiding co-optation by state actors.
CDD’s Director, Dr Dauda Garuba, says the release of this briefing paper further cements the organisation’s thought leadership on the subject of democracy and democratisation in the West Africa region and the continent of Africa at large. Civil society’s role as either a bridge to liberation or a battleground for neocolonial interests continues to be a relevant theme in the scheme of people-centred governance.
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