Addressing the Surge of Coups in West Africa: The Role of ECOWAS, AU, and the Way Forward
By Ibrahim Musa Bangura
Introduction
West Africa has been a theatre of major political flux over the past decade, marked by an alarming increase in military coups. These incidents — each requiring whether it be Mali, Burkina Faso or elsewhere have thrown the nations affected into disarray, casting a long shadow over the region’s democratic progress and governance. In each case democratic process as justification for their actions, arguing that government corruption and inefficiency alongside its failure to deal with extremist violence are connected.
Throughout these crises, regional and continental bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have come under scrutiny for their responses — or, as critics have charged, their lack thereof. Despite having enshrined principles that supposedly commit them to promoting democratic governance and peace in the region, these institutions have been criticized for their utter inadequacy in preventing the slide towards illiberalism and when it is most needed protecting the will of the people.
This segment of our blog explores the complexities of political instability in West Africa, particularly the role and effectiveness of key institutional actors such as ECOWAS and the AU. By addressing their efforts and the challenges they face, we hope to shed light on why these institutions have struggled to stem the tide of coups and what this means for the future of democracy in West Africa.
The Political Landscape of West Africa
The political map of West Africa is being redrawn in series of dramatic shifts. Since 2010, military coups have surged back to life after a decade of gestation. Once condemned to the dustbin of history, the military has returned to politics in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea and elsewhere, leading a wave of military interventions throughout the region. Even these shifts are symptomatic of deeper, structural maladies that West Africa faces..
Overview of Recent Coups in West Africa
- Mali, for example, has had two coups in quick succession, one in 2012 and the other in August 2020, followed by another in May 2021 when the military ousted the interim president appointed after the 2020 coup.
- In Burkina Faso, military takeovers were in September 2015 and January and September 2022, with the military each time citing the government’s failure to effectively combat jihadist insurgents as being key to their action.
- Guinea had its own military coup in September 2021, ending the presidency of Alpha Condé, who accused of constitutional manipulations to extend his tenure.The events have however sharply illustrated the fragility of democratic institutions in the region, often giving way under the pressure of various destabilizing factors.
Analysis of Common Factors Leading to Political Instability
Economic Hardships: Many West African nations face significant economic challenges, in the form of high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and lack of access to basic services. This landscape of economic hardship creates fertile ground for anti-government rebellion, allowing coup leaders to present their agenda for change as appealing to the masses.
Corruption: Political and governmental institutions exude corruption from their very core, generating a severe crisis of confidence and trust in elected officials. The perception that leaders are self-interested rather than enthusiastic public servants has generated widespread disillusionment within domestic populations.
External Influences: The role of external actors and foreign interests in the region should not be discounted. Competition over natural resources, as well as military and financial support from foreign governments to given regimes, have served at times to intensify internal tension and conflict.
The cycle of coups in West Africa illustrates the profound political malaise induced by economic hardship, pervasive corruption, and external influences. Together, these factors undermine the stability of democratic governance, subjecting states to cyclical eruptions of political unrest and military intervention. A true diagnosis of the root causes of instability in the region must incorporate these underlying conditions.
The Role and Responses of ECOWAS and AU
Overview of ECOWAS and AU
West African Economic Community (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) are important regional and continental organizations tasked with fostering economic integration, peace, and democracy across Africa. ECOWAS, in particular, concerns itself with the West African region, seeking to promote interstate economic and political cooperation. The AU, which comprises all 55 nations on the continent, is dedicated to promoting unity and solidarity among African states and serving as a vehicle for the articulation of Africa-wide positions on matters of critical importance for the continent, like governance and democratic stability.
Historical Role in Promoting Democracy
Historically, ECOWAS and the AU have been instrumental in mediation of conflicts and the promotion of good governance in countries across West Africa. Their range of interventions, from diplomacy to peacekeeping missions, have helped to settle disputes and steady ship in times of political turmoil. Mechanisms like the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) under the AU and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, exists to affirm democratic governance, strengthen the rule of law and address the issue of governance amongst member states.
Responses to Recent Coups and Political Crises
In response to the recent spate of military coups in West Africa, ECOWAS and the AU have adopted a range of measures to respond to the unfolding crises. These include sanctions, suspension of membership, and ultimatums to return to constitutional order. For example, when a military junta overthrew the Malian government in August 2020, ECOWAS was prompt to suspend Mali’s decision-making bodies, close land and air borders with Mali, and impose financial sanctions on the junta and its civilian allies.
Similarly, the AU has consistently condemned coups in the region, reaffirming its zero-tolerance policy for unconstitutional changes of government, and calling for the preservation of democratic governance. The AU often lends its voice to ECOWAS’s initiatives, echoing its sanctions and suspensions, as part of an attempt to present a united front against these threats to democratic order.
Critique of the Effectiveness of Sanctions and Diplomatic Interventions
Despite these efforts, ECOWAS and the AU have faced criticism for how effective they have been in preventing coups and, when a military regime seizes power, getting countries back on a path to democratic governance quickly. One main issue is that sanctions and other forms of diplomatic pressure — while often impressive on paper — sometimes don’t bring juntas to heel, since a wide range of factors (including the economic interdependence of neighboring states, the complexity of internal political dynamics, and, in some cases, active support from external actors by military regimes) can make it difficult for them to actually get these sanctions to stick. The capacity of both ECOWAS and the AU to oversee their own mandates is also limited at times by a lack of political will from member states, many of which have their own challenges to democratic governance.
This link in our blog will explore how ECOWAS and the AU navigate the intricate dance of diplomacy and intervention, in an effort help us understand the ingredients of their successes and shortcomings to further develop strategies for the expansion of their role in safeguarding democracy and the ability of African peoples to have their voices heard and respected.
Challenges Facing ECOWAS and AU
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) are pivotal in promoting peace, democracy, and economic integration in Africa. However, despite their significant roles, these institutions face numerous challenges that hinder their ability to effectively prevent and respond to coups and political crises in the region.
Political, Logistical, and Financial Constraints
Political Constraints: One of the primary challenges lies in the political landscape within which ECOWAS and the AU operate. Differences in governance models, political stability and commitment to democratic principles among member states make it difficult to formulate and execute a unified approach to preventing coups. Moreover, political alliances and rivalries within these organizations can affect their collective ability to reach consensus on intervention strategies.
Logistical Constraints: Logistically, the vast geographical area that ECOWAS and the AU must cover, combined with differing levels of infrastructure and resources among member states, makes it extremely difficult to stage a rapid and effective intervention. The extent to which these organizations can mobilize forces, enforce sanctions or even carry out diplomatic missions can be significantly hampered by logistical concerns.
Financial Constraints: ECOWAS and the AU are further limited in their capabilities by financial constraints. The majority of funds to run these organizations and to carry out their missions are derived from contributions made by member states, which can be irregular and insufficient. Moreover, funding from external sources often comes with strings attached, which can influence how much autonomy these organizations have in the decision-making process.
Sovereignty vs. Intervention Dilemma
tectable Output
A fundamental issue that ECOWAS and the AU confront is the balance between respecting state sovereignty and the imperative to intervene in member states plagued by coups or severe political crises. The principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states is a foundational component of international law and African Union principles. Yet, the need to uphold democratic governance and protect human rights often necessitates intervention.
How Far Can They Go? Determining the threshold that signals the appropriateness of intervention in cases of political crisis or coup d’état entails an evaluation of the degree to which a crisis could potentially destabilize a region or compromise its security. While ECOWAS and the AU have protocols that permit interventions in certain cases, the decision to act is fraught with diplomatic considerations: the potential impact of intervention on a leadership and its potential backlash from the international community, and the possible escalation of conflict.
The challenges that beset both ECOWAS and the AU in their efforts to prevent coups present a narrative that subtly calls for multiple tracks: a commitment to shoring up democratic institutions, rapid response capabilities to address crises and the root causes of instability. Moreover, a member state culture of democratic governance and rule of law is essential because it is there that these institutions are ill-fated. Balancing state sovereignty and intervention remains a tenuous, difficult task. And so, it calls for thoughtful diplomacy, wise strategic calculus and above all, a collective commitment to the welfare and democratic aspirations of the African people.
Case Studies
In this section, we delve into specific instances of military coups in West Africa to analyze the events, the response from ECOWAS and the African Union (AU), and the aftermath of these interventions. Through these case studies, we aim to draw lessons that could guide future strategies for safeguarding democracy in the region.
Case Study 1: The Coup in Mali (2020)
The Events: In August 2020, Mali experienced a military coup in which President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was overthrown. Months of political unrest and protests preceded the coup where Keïta was accused of corruption, economic mismanagement and failure to address the escalating security crisis marked by jihadist insurgencies.
ECOWAS & AU’s Res[onse: ECOWAS immediately condemned the coup, imposing sanctions on Mali including the suspension of financial flows and trade transactions between ECOWAS countries and Mali. ECOWAS also threatened to use military force if President Keïta was not reinstated.
The African Union (AU) similarly suspended Mali from all its activities and decision making bodies. The sanctions have had a significant impact on Mali’s economy that was already struggling with the ongoing security challenges. The threat of military intervention did not come to pass and a transition government was established committing to returning to civilian rule in 18 months. Tensions remain high with concerns about the transitional government’s ability to organise free and fair elections.
Case Study 2: The Coup in Burkina Faso (2021)
The Events: Burkina Faso experienced a coup in September 2021, when military officers detained President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, citing the government’s inability to effectively tackle the terrorist violence that has plagued the country.
ECOWAS/AU’s Response: ECOWAS condemned the coup and called for the immediate release of President Kaboré. The organization held an emergency summit to discuss the situation, but unlike in Mali, ECOWAS did not immediately impose sanctions on Burkina Faso. The AU also condemned the coup and reiterated its call for the restoration of constitutional order.
The Aftermath: President Kaboré was eventually released, but he was forced to resign. The military junta promised a return to civilian rule within a “reasonable time,” but specifics on how and when this will be achieved remain vague. The response from ECOWAS and the AU has been criticized for lacking the decisiveness that marked their approach to the crisis in Mali.
Lessons Learned
From these case studies, several key lessons emerge:
- The Need for Proactive Measures: Both ECOWAS and the AU have been more reactive than proactive. There’s a need for mechanisms that can anticipate and address the root causes of instability before they escalate into coups.
- Consistency in Response: The differing responses to the coups in Mali and Burkina Faso highlight the need for a consistent approach in dealing with such crises to avoid perceptions of bias or ineffectiveness.
- Engagement with Civil Society: The role of civil society in these countries is crucial. Both ECOWAS and the AU need to engage more with these groups to ensure that the voices of the people are heard and considered in their interventions.
- Long-term Commitment: The aftermath of coups requires a long-term commitment to support political transitions, economic recovery, and security reforms. Short-term measures, while necessary, are not sufficient to restore and sustain democracy.
Possible Solutions and the Way Forward
West Africa has recently seen a number of ostensibly democratic countries; some of whose citizens even took control of their destinies, undergo a process of political destabilization and uncertainty. Events in Mali, Guinea, Togo, Guinea Bissau, and Burkina Faso over the past year have reanimated a seemingly ineradicable political phenomenon of the late 1960’s to the early 2000’s.
Preventing coups in West Africa and ensuring enduring political stability is a matter of urgent concern. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) have important roles, but they are under strong new pressures and need a number of significant strategic and institutional reforms. Here are some recommendations designed to bolster their efficacy:
Institutional Reforms
ECOWAS and the AU need comprehensive institutional reforms that prioritize rapid response to emerging political crises. Streamlining decision-making processes and ensuring that member states adhere to democratic principles are essential steps. These organizations must also work on building trust and credibility among the populace to improve the legitimacy of their interventions.
Enhanced Early Warning Systems
Developing sophisticated early warning systems is crucial for anticipating and mitigating the risks of coups and political instability. These systems should leverage data analytics and intelligence gathering to monitor signs of unrest and governance failure. By doing so, ECOWAS and the AU can initiate preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts before situations escalate.
Engaging Civil Society and Grassroots Movements
Civil society organizations and grassroots movements are often at the forefront of advocating for democracy and governance reforms. ECOWAS and the AU should establish formal platforms for engaging these groups in policy dialogue and decision-making processes. Their insights and grassroots reach can provide valuable perspectives on addressing the root causes of instability.
Promoting Economic Development and Addressing Root Causes of Instability
Economic hardship and inequality are significant drivers of political instability. ECOWAS and the AU should advocate for and support policies that promote economic development, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Efforts should focus on creating inclusive economies that benefit all segments of society, thereby reducing grievances that can lead to unrest.
The Role of International Partnerships and Support
International partnerships can augment the efforts of ECOWAS and the AU. Collaborating with the United Nations, European Union, and other regional organizations can provide additional resources, expertise, and diplomatic leverage. Such partnerships should respect the principle of African solutions to African problems, with external actors providing support that aligns with the priorities set by African institutions.
Fostering a Culture of Democracy and the Rule of Law
Ultimately, the sustainability of political stability in West Africa depends on fostering a culture of democracy and respect for the rule of law. ECOWAS and the AU should promote education and awareness programs that highlight the value of democratic governance and civic engagement. Encouraging transparency, accountability, and the peaceful transfer of power can help build resilient democratic institutions.
The challenges facing West Africa in terms of political instability and coups are complex and multifaceted. However, by implementing the above recommendations, ECOWAS and the AU can enhance their capacity to prevent such crises and support the region’s journey towards sustained peace and democracy. Strengthening these institutions, engaging with civil society, addressing economic disparities, and fostering a culture of democracy are key steps toward a stable and prosperous West Africa.
Conclusion
As we have explored throughout this blog, the political landscape of West Africa has been marred by a series of coups and instances of political instability over the past decade. These events have not only disrupted the lives of millions but have also posed significant challenges to the progress of democracy and governance in the region. The recurring theme across these upheavals points to a critical need: addressing the root causes of political instability to prevent future coups.
The role of regional and continental bodies such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union (AU) is paramount in this endeavor. However, their efforts must be underpinned by a collaborative approach that involves member states, civil society, and the international community at large. The path to a stable and democratic West Africa requires a concerted effort that transcends borders and sectors.
This blog serves as a call to action for ECOWAS, the AU, member states, and the international community to enhance their collaboration and commitment to protecting democracy in West Africa. It is imperative that these stakeholders work together to:
- Implement institutional reforms and strengthen mechanisms for preventing coups.
- Engage civil society and grassroots movements in the dialogue on democracy and governance.
- Address the economic disparities and social injustices that fuel political unrest.
- Foster a culture of democracy and the rule of law across the region.
The challenges facing West Africa are significant, but they are not insurmountable. By focusing on the underlying causes of instability and adopting a more unified and proactive approach, there is hope for a future where democracy thrives, and the specter of coups is a thing of the past. The time for action is now — let us commit to safeguarding the democratic aspirations of West Africa and ensure that the region can realize its full potential in peace and stability.
