DEMOCRACY may have its flaws, but it’s the system that will ultimately correct itself. Military rule is not a viable alternative.
In Nigeria, only the younger generation (25 and below) might romanticise military dictatorship, but for the rest of us, democracy is the way forward. As such, it’s every patriotic citizen’s duty to support and nurture democracy, ensuring it grows strong enough to tackle the nation’s developmental challenges.
Nurturing democracy requires active engagement. This includes participating in public discourse, critiquing political actions, and holding leaders accountable, being involved in leadership selection process. It also means recognising and applauding responsible leadership. By being involved in the democratic process, citizens help foster a healthier democracy.
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Today’s politicians pose a significant threat to democratic growth. By manipulating and controlling the political space, they undermine opposition and stifle not just dissent but free speech. This is the situation in nearly all countries of West Africa.
Those who make peaceful change impossible, make violent change inevitable. The story of West Africa today is that of a political topography that is sinusoidally undulating because of the inordinate behaviours of politicians.
Several factors like weak democratic institutions contribute to the prevalence of coups in West Africa. Many countries in the region struggle with fragile democratic systems, making them vulnerable to military interventions. Widespread corruption and poor governance lead to public disillusionment and create an environment conducive to coups. The presence of jihadist groups and other security threats in the region also contribute to the likelihood of coups.
International organisations like the UN, AU, and ECOWAS should proactively promote good governance rather than just reacting to coups. They can leverage mechanisms like the African Union’s Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), a voluntary self-monitoring tool where African states are supposed to assess each other’s governance (political, economic, corporate, socio-economic) to foster stability, integration, and development.
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Leaders of nations should hold each other accountable for democratic standards. If they criticise undemocratic practices elsewhere, they should also speak out against similar issues in other countries.
For instance, concerns about Benin Republic’s parliamentary manipulation, insecurity, poverty, illiteracy, and healthcare challenges warrant attention. A more consistent approach would promote global democratic accountability.
It’s time for our leaders to prioritise effective governance, encourage accountability and transparency among elected leaders and not just helping each other to consolidate on power that deliver no good.
France’s interest in Benin Republic, alongside Nigeria’s Tinubu, suggests strategic motives. The recent surge in military coups in Francophone countries raises questions about France’s neo-colonial influence. Decades of exploitation and partnership with local authorities have fuelled resentment, prompting military interventions. France’s continued resource extraction and economic dominance have sparked widespread discontent. You can’t keep the people perpetually down.
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The wave of coups in West Africa is unlikely to end soon. Frustrated citizens, disenchanted by politicians’ refusal to open up democratic space, may increasingly turn to alternative means to demand change. With democratic institutions under strain, 2026 could see more instability unless leaders prioritise inclusive governance and citizen engagement.
West Africa’s democratic landscape is marked by growing disillusionment with ‘low-intensity democracy,’ a system where formal democratic structures exist but lack substance. Scholars like Samir Amin and Horace Campbell have critiqued this model, which is prevalent in countries like Benin, Nigeria, Togo, and Guinea Bissau.
While elections are held regularly, they often lack genuine participation, free expression, and a level playing field, undermining the exercise of basic democratic rights like freedom of speech, press, and assembly.
Several factors like weak democratic institutions contribute to the prevalence of coups in West Africa. Many countries in the region struggle with fragile democratic systems, making them vulnerable to military interventions.
Widespread corruption and poor governance lead to public disillusionment and create an environment conducive to coups. The presence of jihadist groups and other security threats in the region also contribute to the likelihood of coups.
Given these challenges, it’s unlikely that Benin will be the end of coups in West Africa.
