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Coup d'Etats - The New Normal in West Africa?

In the 90's African countries embraced democratic governance and it was believed that the continent has moved from governance by military regimes and dictatorship to democracy. The recent events in West Africa are however troubling.

Niger is the fifth country in West Africa to experience a coup d'état in recent years and there appears to be strong and genuine fears that the region may collapse now that the G5 Sahel - a regional group of countries promoting development and security - is led by four juntas.

The regional body, the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), despite sanctions and other measures don't seem to be in control of the situation. To make matters worst Mali and Burkina Faso, two other border countries under military juntas have warned agaist any military intervention by ECOWAS.

Liberia is now on the edge following reports of police arresting high-ranking soldiers who were allegedly plotting a coup in neigbouring Sierra Leone. There are fears that the insecurity in the region will further boost militant activity.

InFocus

Deutsche Welle

A map showing the ECOWAS states.

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