ASSESSING THE RESURGENCE OF COUPS AND COUNTER COUPS IN WEST AFRICA: DRIVERS, DYNAMICS, IMPACTS AND COUNTER-RESPONSE.

Abstract

Of the 16 States in West Africa, only Cape Verde had no record of a coup since independence. From 2000-2019, the military was more apolitical. However, from 2020-2023, the region witnessed the resurgence of military coups and counter- coups that was fast spreading from Mali to Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger aside from failed attempts in Sierra Leone. This resurgence of coups and counter-coups in the region created a serious dilemma regarding a decline in democratic consolidation in the sub-continent. It is in this context, that this this paper assesses the drivers, dynamics, impacts and counter-response by the sub-regional bloc The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The qualitative research approach where emphasis on academic and non-academic literature was used in this paper to ask and respond to this recent phenomenon of democratic disruption in the West African sub-region by the military. Findings of the paper, attributed factors associated with poor governance, insecurity, economic hardship and influence by external forces as drivers and triggers for the resurgence of coups and counter-coups in the region. These factors created the environment for the military who see themselves playing a messianic role to salvage these states from the deficits of democracy and its ideals in the affected states. In addressing these challenges, the paper put forward practical recommendations to both states and non-state actors in the sub-region to ensure that these triggers for military incursion are adequately addressed.