THE RECENT military coup in Guinea-Bissau is unfortunate and unacceptable. West Africa doesn’t need such instability. Despite democracy’s unfulfilled promises in the region over the past years, it’s believed that uninterrupted democratic processes can eventually lead to its benefits, or ‘dividends’, as it is popularly expressed in Nigeria, being realised.
Many African nations still recall the devastating effects of military rule. In Nigeria, the atrocities committed during this period remain etched in our collective memory. No patriotic citizen would wish for a return to military rule. The consensus is clear: even flawed democracy is preferable to military governance.
Africa’s democratic challenges are often fuelled by political elites who undermine institutional checks and balances. The recent re-election of Cameroon’s Paul Biya for a new seven-year term has sparked controversy, with opposition claims of a “constitutional coup.” Meanwhile, over 2.5 million Cameroonians face acute food insecurity, relying on humanitarian aid for basic needs.
The resurgence of military regimes in West Africa is alarming. With Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and now Guinea Bissau under military rule, it is concerning that this form of governance is gaining acceptance. The failure of democracy to deliver on its promises is certainly a key factor contributing to this trend. Poverty, insecurity, corruption, and infrastructure decay have become hallmarks of democratic rule in many West African countries.
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Democratic values are eroding as divisive forces like tribal hatred and religious extremism gain traction. The non-violent methods and institutions that promote accountability, transparency, and peaceful power transfer are being undermined. This trend threatens the very foundations of democracy and the rule of law.
West Africa’s democratic challenges stem from pseudo-democrats who pay lip service to democratic principles.
These politicians champion reform and justice in opposition but abandon them once in power, ignoring issues like corruption, disenfranchisement, and subversion of rule of law.
The Guinea-Bissau crisis highlights the fragility of democracy in West Africa and the questionable actions of its politicians. According to Goodluck Jonathan, who led the West African Elders’ Forum’s Election Observation Mission, the coup appears to be more ceremonial than real. Notably, President Embaló himself announced his arrest before any military declaration.
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President Embaló’s situation may seem unprecedented, but it bears resemblance to instances where technical issues are used to disrupt democratic processes. It happened in Nigeria in 2023. Unconfirmed reports suggest the timing of the coup may be linked to the opposition candidate’s apparent lead. Similar concerns arose in Nigeria’s 2023 election regarding the use of technology and transparency.
Africa’s democratic challenges are often fuelled by political elites who undermine institutional checks and balances. The recent re-election of Cameroon’s Paul Biya for a new seven-year term has sparked controversy, with opposition claims of a “constitutional coup.” Meanwhile, over 2.5 million Cameroonians face acute food insecurity, relying on humanitarian aid for basic needs.
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In April 2024, Togo’s parliament approved a constitutional amendment shifting from a presidential to a parliamentary system, abolishing direct presidential elections. Faure Gnassingbé has since been sworn in as the President of the Council of Ministers, a role with no term limits.
The crisis in Guinea-Bissau is concerning, but it is crucial to acknowledge that without addressing the underlying issues of poor governance, insecurity, and institutional weakness in West Africa, military interventions may persist.
Critics argue this move is a “power grab” that could allow Gnassingbé to stay in power indefinitely, undermining democratic principles.
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West Africa’s political landscape is complex, with both military coups and constitutional manipulations undermining democracy.
While military takeovers are widely condemned, politicians like Paul Biya and Faure Gnassingbé often circumvent the process with relative impunity.
In Nigeria, the 2027 elections are obviously impacting negatively on governance. Allegations of manipulation, including reports of inducements to defect to the ruling party, threaten the country’s democratic process and risk creating a one-party state.
The crisis in Guinea-Bissau is concerning, but it is crucial to acknowledge that without addressing the underlying issues of poor governance, insecurity, and institutional weakness in West Africa, military interventions may persist.
This is compounded by the Sahel region’s instability, marked by arms proliferation and generalised governance failures creating an environment where military rule can thrive.
