West Africa is facing a critical juncture, grappling with a resurgence of military interventions amidst waning democratic ideals and escalating geopolitical tensions. The region’s democratic trajectory, fifty years in the making, is now under serious question.

A troubling pattern has emerged, particularly in Francophone countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and recently, attempted interventions in Benin and Guinea-Bissau. This raises concerns about unresolved historical issues, entrenched political economies, and the dynamics between state and society.

Experts suggest citizens are increasingly disillusioned, feeling trapped between the failures of electoral systems often perceived as ‘electoral despotism’, the continued influence of external powers, and the return of military rule. “Citizens are facing a choiceless choice, where none of the options seem capable of delivering stability, dignity, peace and security or even genuine sovereignty,” says Chukwuemeka B. Eze, Director for Democratic Futures in Africa.

The legacy of imperialism continues to cast a long shadow, with former colonial powers maintaining influence through aid, control of resources, and military agreements. Resentment towards this external interference, especially from France, is widespread. Economic dependence and the CFA franc further fuel perceptions of compromised sovereignty.

While many initially welcomed the military as a corrective force against perceived corruption and ineffectiveness, the reality often falls short of expectations. Military regimes frequently exhibit restricted freedoms, politicized security forces, and a reliance on foreign support – from Russia, Turkey, and Gulf states – often deepening debt and instability.

The current crisis is also exacerbated by the region’s growing geopolitical importance, becoming a focal point for competition between major global powers. “These competing agendas pull governments in different directions, leaving citizens with little say over the region’s strategic direction,” explains Jeggan Grey Johnson, Advocacy Advisor at the Open Society Foundations.

Ultimately, a sustainable path forward requires strengthening democratic institutions beyond mere elections, fostering economic independence through value-added industries, prioritizing regional security cooperation, and investing in civic education and accountability. Reclaiming democracy as a tool for liberation, rather than elite capture, is paramount.

The challenge for West Africa is to move beyond the binary of imperialism and military rule and forge a new political vision grounded in bold leadership, accountable governance, and regional solidarity. Only then can citizens truly choose their own future.

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