When Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu emerged as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on July 9, 2023, he came with the promise to ensure an end to the unconstitutional truncation of democratic rule in member States.
Barely two weeks after that promise, a group of soldiers in the Niger Republic overthrew the elected President, Mohamed Bazoum, and held him captive.
ECOWAS under the chairmanship of President Tinubu condemned the intervention in very strong terms and threatened as a last resort the use of military intervention to restore constitutional order in Niger Republic. This to the extent should all mediations with the junta fail to return President Bazoum to power. The West Africa bloc immediately suspended Niger from ECOWAS and imposed stringent sanctions on the country.
The coup in Niger was the latest in a series of military coups in West Africa. Between 2020 and 2022, there were a total of five military coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. There were also failed coups in the Gambia and Guinea-Bissau within the same period.
The unconstitutional change of power remains a setback for democracy in West Africa. However, Nigeria has continued to be a leading voice in the condemnation of these coups and demanding the restoration of constitutional rule.
In 2020, Nigeria joined other ECOWAS member States in imposing sanctions on Mali after the military seized power there. Nigeria also played a key role in mediating the crisis in Mali, which led to the restoration of civilian rule in 2021.
In 2021, Nigeria again condemned the military coup in Guinea and demanded the immediate release of the deposed president. Nigeria also led a delegation of ECOWAS leaders to Guinea to meet with the leaders of the junta and press for a return to civilian rule.
In 2022, Nigeria once again condemned the military takeover in Burkina Faso and called for the restoration of democracy. Nigeria also imposed sanctions on Burkina Faso and joined other members to suspend its membership in the African Union.
Nigeria’s response to these developments is a testament to its democratic credentials. As the country celebrates its 63rd independence, it therefore becomes important to reflect on its role in deepening democracy in West Africa. Nigeria is the largest country in the region and has a long history of democratic struggles. Nigeria is currently in its 24th year of uninterrupted democratic rule since its return in 1999.
The country has also played a key role in supporting democratic transitions in other countries in the region.
Nigeria’s democratic journey in the past has been tumultuous, with periods of military rule and democratic transitions. However, the country has made significant progress in recent years, and its democracy is now more stable than ever before. In 2015, Nigeria held its first successful democratic transition from one ruling party to another. This was a major milestone for democracy in Nigeria and West Africa.
Nigeria has also played a key role in supporting democratic transitions in other West African countries. For example, Nigeria provided financial and logistical support to Ghana during its transition to democracy in the 1990s. Nigeria also sent troops to Liberia and Sierra Leone to help maintain peace and security during elections in those countries.
In addition to its support for democratic transitions, Nigeria has also played a leading role in promoting democratic norms and values in West Africa. Nigeria is a founding member of ECOWAS, which has played various key roles in promoting democracy and regional integration in West Africa.
Nigeria is also a strong supporter of the African Union’s African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance, which is a key legal framework for promoting democracy in Africa.
Despite the progress that has been made, there are still several challenges to democracy in West Africa. These challenges include bad governance, sit-tight leaders, corruption, weak institutions, and poverty. Celebrations of the actions of the putschists by citizens in some of these countries are a confirmation of the widespread frustration with the institutions.
ECOWAS on its part has also been blamed for its slow response to coups in the past.
It is therefore important and urgent to address the underlying causes of these coups so that democracy would not only have room to thrive but also have a positive impact on citizens’ lives.
Leaders in the region must provide good governance for their citizens and desist from changing their countries’ constitutions to perpetuate themselves in office.
Despite its challenges with insecurity, corruption, and poverty at home, Nigeria’s role in deepening democracy in West Africa remains unwavering. This commitment is especially important in light of the recent military coups in the region. Nigeria’s response to these coups is consistent with its commitment to democracy and its support for democratic transitions in other West African countries.
The recent military coups in West Africa are a reminder that democracy is fragile and must be defended. Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and its support for democratic transitions in other countries is an inspiration to all who believe in democracy.
