Rethinking Peace and Security in West Africa's Changing Landscape

This week, I am in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, for a conference by the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation. We are discussing peace and security in West Africa. The region has faced political problems for the past ten years. These issues stem from deep-rooted problems like poverty, food insecurity, climate change, and violence from extremist groups. Right now, the crisis is mainly due to the fast decline of democracy since the 1990s. This decline happened because of popular demands and the regional body, ECOWAS.

The coups in Chad, Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, and Guinea Bissau have created a serious crisis for ECOWAS. This organization is facing a new reality with the rise of democratic decline and collapse. This situation has serious effects on the region. With five out of fifteen members out of line, there is fear that more might join them. The attempted coup in Benin Republic added to this fear. Some countries involved have formed the Association of Sahelian States (AES) and are using populism to win support for their leaders, blaming French neo-colonialism as a major threat.

The harsh politics from the United States under Donald Trump has deepened this divide. The ideas of Western imperialism and neo-colonialism are now key parts of West Africa's political discussions. This poses a threat to West African leaders seen as puppets of imperialism. Will they survive the ongoing political changes? It is time to look at possible futures for West Africa's political changes, and I hope this conference will help. This is not the first time West Africa has faced major political changes.

We can see how global politics affects local issues through Air Base 101 in Niamey, Niger Republic. Armed attackers have hit the base three times this year. In January, Islamic State terrorists tried to seize it but were stopped. In June, Al-Qaida made their own attempt. Just three weeks ago, soldiers from the Niger army attacked in an attempted coup. This base used to host around 1,500 French and 1,000 American troops, who monitored Africa from there. It is also linked to the largest American drone base in Africa. Uranium mined by France is stored at the base. These foreign powers are working hard to regain control, using insecurity as a tool.

West Africa has a strong history of fighting against risks and threats. The people won back democracy in the early 1990s after years of harsh authoritarianism and conflicts in the 1970s and 1980s. Democracy returned with new constitutions, political parties, and regular elections. The big question then was who would benefit from this democracy? National conferences were held in many countries to discuss this issue. The conclusion was that the social contract made during the nationalist struggle was broken. The one-party and military regimes that followed independence did not improve people's lives. Frustration grew across West Africa when it became clear that new democratic leaders were also failing to help the people.

The crisis in democracy is linked to the relationship between leaders and citizens in West Africa. Many leaders do not reflect the people they govern. Citizens have shown a strong desire to take part in democratic politics. But leaders have consistently disrespected the rules of democracy. They have worked hard to break down democratic practices. The ongoing struggle is between the political class trying to control the state and citizens pushing for an inclusive democracy. This paradox must be solved to bring back inclusive democratic politics in the region. Meanwhile, militarism is on the rise again.

Violent extremism has become a major political issue in West Africa and the Sahel. It comes from a different ideology that questions democracy's legitimacy. Many extremist groups have a huge impact on the Sahel and West Africa. For the last two decades, they have shown a strong ability to affect security and politics. Their ambitions and reach have expanded across the region. Terrorism has ruined lives and hurt local economies, health, and education.

At the heart of West Africa's crisis is bad governance. Citizens feel they are not getting the benefits of democracy because of corruption. People expect their governments to ensure their security and welfare. This is the main challenge that needs attention. Governments must improve their ability to provide services to meet people's needs. Militarism cannot bring peace and growth in West Africa. Authoritarianism makes corruption worse, promotes unfair rule, and hinders progress. Military regimes in the Sahel have not kept their promise to end terrorism. Evidence shows that terrorism has increased since the coups. Renewing democracy is the only way to a peaceful and prosperous future.

Democracy did not fail in West Africa; it was sabotaged. Many elected leaders have undermined free and fair elections, weakened the judiciary, and blocked opposition parties. They made it seem like the issue was democracy itself rather than their own actions.

Many young people believe that military rule could help regain control of national resources and fight neo-colonialism. But this belief lacks real proof. Still, they are right that people in West Africa must unite to fight neo-colonialism. All countries should start national debates and create strategies for full control of their resources.

West Africa must also protect its regional organization from collapse. ECOWAS has a strong foundation for promoting democratic resilience in its Vision 2050. This document should guide its strengths, address weaknesses, find opportunities for progress, and tackle threats. ECOWAS must stick to its principles of constitutional governance and zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of power. The organization should play a bigger role in promoting democracy among its members. However, it must recognize that recent declines in democracy come from the actions of some leaders and take steps to change those practices.

Current trends in West Africa are heavily influenced by global political changes. West African countries closely tied to their neo-colonial rulers need to rethink their strategies as Western powers weaken. The future could be brighter if they shift their focus to emerging middle powers and the new BRICS group.

The real driving force behind democratic movements in West Africa is civil society. Trade unions, student groups, NGOs, women's organizations, cultural groups, religious organizations, and the media have all played key roles in pushing for political change and human rights. They have organized strikes, protests, and demonstrations to make their voices heard.

Citizens need to be active in building a better future for their countries. They must work to stop leaders from changing the constitution to extend their terms. People should embrace the idea that governments must answer to them.