Democratic Rollback in West Africa: Coup Contagion, Sit-tight Tyrants and Best Options for Regional Organisations

Abstract

Unconstitutional changes of government (UCG) which characterized post-independence African States till the 1990s have resurfaced in recent years. The authoritarian nature of some civilian regimes and the concomitant sit-tight leadership syndrome have undermined robust democratic norms while the current military coups have further established the trajectory of democratic reversals on the Continent. Focusing on the wave of recent military coups in West and Central Africa, the article explores the variables that contribute to democratic backsliding and specifically interrogates the role of regional organizations, such as the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in preventing and responding to coups d’état through diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and military actions as well as the limited impact of these interventions. The article offers recommendations for regional organizations, national governments, and international actors to address the challenges of democratic backsliding and coup contagion in West Africa and emphasizes the importance of strengthening democratic institutions, promoting good governance, and enhancing regional cooperation to safeguard democratic gains and maintain stability in the region.