Since the pandemic of 2020, it seems another pandemic has shown up Sahel region of Africa – the return and spread of military coups. Six formerly democratic nations (five of them being former French colonies) have experienced military interventionism at different times, deviating from the previous trend of African democratization in the late 90s.
All of these countries have had coups recently, in a band of contiguous nations forming what is being referred to as the “coup belt”
1. Mali in August 2020
2. Chad in April 2021
3. Guinea in September 2021
4. Sudan in October 2021;
5. Burkina Faso in January 2022
6. Niger in July 2023
Similar to how most African countries obtained independence within two decades in the 50’s and 60’s before being destabilized by a spate of military coups in their National infancy stages, the two decades of the 90’s and 2000’s saw a wave of democracy return to the continent, with many vowing “never again.” Never again would the soldiers be allowed out of the barracks to claim the helm of affairs.
This era was met with a lot of promise(s) and hope as Military coups in Africa were practically unheard of for the 20-year span following the turn of the century. The promises of Democracy were exciting and appealing.
Then what happened?
Demonstration of Crazy: The Space between a lie and a broken promise
At the end of the day, the only difference between a broken promise and an outright lie is intent at the time the promise was made. There’s hardly any difference in the result. Ultimately, you didn’t do as you said.
The promises of democracy to Africans in the 90s were widely touted and included peace, stability, economic growth, innovation, accountability, transparency, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Many died and risked it all for this promise, in hopes of seeing the fruits made manifest (RIP MKO Abiola). To say that these promises were not met for the majority of the African continent would be an understatement.
Decades after democracy was embraced, many feel as if they walk around with dashed hopes as they continually sink deeper and deeper into poverty, facing economic stagnation, conflict, graft, lack of accountability, incessant human rights violations, and laws that seem to only protect those in power and their bad behavior.
After having been adopted, “the democracy” itself feels more like a trophy for display and a rubber stamp for global acceptance than an instrument that will ever do anything to improve their quality of life or bring them out of poverty. So they apply for visas to jaapaa or hop on rickety boats in an attempt to make it across the Mediterranean. Many don’t make it. Some drown. European navies and coast guards are thoroughly trained on how to “welcome” the African migrants who do make it across alive.
The current global balance doesn’t feel much different from the centuries of colonization where the relationship between the West (the colonizers) and almost all of Africa (the colonized) is based on the Africans’ willingness to accept the smoke screen and adopt the deceptive mechanism that perpetuates exploitation and extraction. A system that allows otherwise poor nations (who have limited land and limited resources) to continue to control global financial systems while getting all the factors of production (land, labor, capital, entrepreneurship) from Africa for free or almost free.
Thanks but no Thanks
The biggest difference between the 1st and 2nd wave of the military seizing power in Africa is the state of mind of the youth and the people of the country. In the first wave, most Africans only knew what was going on around them in their immediate surroundings and probably what they read in the newspapers. Much of the limited media which they consumed was largely controlled by the government. Today, however, the people have access to smart phones, the internet, cable TV, social media, and all forms of information that give them a balanced sense of what is going on in even the most distant parts of the globe. They see the quality of life which other people enjoy. They have a brother or neighbor or relative “wey done jaapaa” (travelled out of their home country) and they see the difference that person, who was just like them before travelling, is now making in the family and community.
They know about how mineral-rich their nation and continent are, and they’re tired of being frustrated that those rich resources are exchanged for money that doesn’t provide them any value, They’re tired of constantly being told that the only way out of their problems is to borrow more valueless money and the only way to qualify for the money is another round of devaluations of their already fragile currency.
If you don’t like what you’re dealing with right now, just endure a bit longer and wait another 4-5 years for the next election. And then another 5, and then another 5…and another 5. And just like that, its 20 years later
When exactly do the peace, stability, economic growth, accountability, transparency, rule of law, innovation, and respect for human rights kick in?
If this is what your promise of democracy is all about? Thanks but no thanks.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Excerpt from American Declaration of Independence
You need people like me. So you could point your finger and say “that’s the bad guy”.
You would imagine that the citizens would be downcast after the announcement of a coup, but a closer observation to the initial reactions in the streets of Niamey and other parts of Niger gives one reason for pause. The jubilation, the celebration, and the gratitude to the military for taking such action was in stark contradiction to the outcome of the ECOWAS meeting held in Abuja on July 30th on the same matter. The block vowed to return the ousted president Mohamed Bazoum to power by any means necessary, be it negotiation, diplomacy, sanctions and even if it requires the use of force.
The Military leaders of Burkina Faso and Mali quickly responded that they would view any military action against Niger as tantamount to a declaration of war against them, throwing more fuel on the fires of a very volatile region. Since the NATO-led effort to remove Muammar Gaddafi, who they viewed as the “BAD GUY”, the Sahel has been plagued with insecurity, proliferation of weapons, and the rise of Militant Islamic Extremism with no end in sight.
The Eastern Alternative
It’s easy to fall into the western righteousness trap. It’s easy to feel that as an American, I come from the richest, most powerful nation in the world so when I’m talking to other people from other countries (especially Africans) , “what do they know? I’m definitely right”..
However, once you start respecting and relating with these other people, you realize that they too are thoughtful. The fact that they think differently from you doesn’t mean they don’t or can’t think but rather that they have different values.
This is the mistake that many in the west make. For instance, based on American values, it may be true that China or Russia is a non-starter of a choice for an economic or military partner, but based on African values and the current situation on ground, Russia and China are increasingly becoming more attractive alternatives to many Africans today.
The jubilation in the streets of Niamey, the burning of French flags, and the hoisting of Russian flags are snapshots of the sentiment.
Being dismissive of African values is a turn-off to many. Kamala Harris putting LGBTQ issues at the forefront of her Africa tour while warning African leaders about Chinese and Russian Neo-Colonialism is a recent example.
One could say that the big difference is that Africans have tangible results from Chinese loans. Even though they’re often accused of trying to repossess them later, the citizens can see the sea ports, the airports, the roads, and bridges.
In contrast with the western loans, where the nation borrows money after further devaluation of their currency, a corrupt leader and his cronies steal the said money, deposit it in western banks, but it’s the citizens of the country who never got any value for the loan, nor any tangible infrastructure who are saddled with the debt and ever-weakening currency. It’s kind of like getting approved for a car loan, making monthly payments but never getting to drive the car.
Way forward?
The last time we can remember the non-violent removal of a military ruler in Africa was during the Arab spring of 2011-2012, in Egypt with the ouster of Hosni Mubarak and Tunisia with the removal of Abidine ben Ali, Algeria and Libya’s leaders were also removed, though Libya was aided with international military intervention.
Before a doctor can give a prescription, he’d need to understand the sickness. Immediately slamming sanctions or threatening the use of force on the Nigeriens is more like treating the symptoms without properly diagnosing the disease. Why was there a military coup in Niger? And Burkina Faso, and Mali, and Chad, and Guinea, and Sudan? Why are the citizens jubilating when the military takes over?
Dissatisfaction with the proceeds of their democracy Unsatisfactory responses to the insecurity situation Economic hardship and frustration These are the paramount things to be addressed. Otherwise, we may think we’re liberating a people but rather keeping them in bondage.
To address the resurgence of military coups in the Sahel region, it is essential to focus on the following solutions:
- Tackle Insecurity: Addressing the root causes of insecurity is crucial to bringing stability to the region. This includes comprehensive strategies for peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and tackling the rise of Militant Islamic Extremism.
- Foster Inclusivity and Respect for African Values: The West should engage with African countries on an equal footing, respecting their values and perspectives. This approach will create stronger partnerships and avoid alienating the continent.
- Strengthen Democratic Institutions: African nations must strengthen their democratic institutions to ensure accountability, transparency, and rule of law. This involves enhancing electoral processes, creating checks and balances, and fostering civic participation.
- Invest in Economic Development: To combat economic hardship and frustration, African leaders should prioritize sustainable economic policies, promote local industries, and attract foreign investments that benefit the population.
By adopting these solutions, Africa and its international partners can work together to overcome the challenges and create a path towards a more stable, prosperous, and democratic future in the Sahel region.