Recent political developments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have reignited concerns about the fragility of democracy in West Africa, says Dr Dauda Garuba, the Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD). Speaking in a chat with AkweyaTV, Dr Garuba said the wave of military coups and authoritarian shifts in these nations should serve as a stark warning to democrats across the continent and beyond. The implications stretch far beyond the affected countries, touching the very foundation of democratic governance in Africa.
A Troubling Trend of Coups
The resurgence of military takeovers in Mali (2020, 2021), Guinea (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023) signals a disturbing regression from democratic governance. Military juntas in these nations have cited corruption, insecurity, and poor governance as justification for their actions. However, the question remains: are these coups truly about reform, or are they simply a return to the dark era of military rule?
In the interview with AkweyaTV, the head of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), Dr. Dauda Garba, expressed concern over the trend, stating, “We are seeing the military guys trying to make attempts to come back. Apart from Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger where we have experienced recent coups, we have also seen attempts by countries in the region to manipulate constitutional changes to extend their rule.”
Eroding Democratic Norms
Asked about the most alarming consequences of these coups, Dr Garuba pointed to the erosion of democratic norms. He disclosed that in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, civil liberties have been curtailed, press freedoms restricted, and opposition voices silenced. Reports from civil society organisations indicate a rise in forced recruitment of civilians into military operations and suppression of dissent.
Garuba noted that the shrinking civic space and increasing authoritarianism in these countries should concern all proponents of democracy. “Even the worst democracy is better than the best military regime,” he emphasised. “People must understand that fixing a country takes time, and what we are witnessing is a false impression that military rule provides instant solutions.”
Watch the full conversation here..
Additionally, he said, the withdrawal of these nations from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and their alignment with Russia and other non-Western allies suggest a strategic geopolitical shift. This could further isolate them from crucial democratic institutions and economic support structures.
Dr. Garba remarked on the consequences, stating, “What we are seeing is that freedom has been frozen in these countries. The same citizens who celebrated the military takeovers are now facing severe repression. Freedom of speech has been curtailed, and governance structures are being dismantled.”
As the fight for democracy continues, one thing remains clear: “A system built on transparency, accountability, and the rule of law is the only sustainable path forward for Africa’s future,” Garuba concluded.
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