DEMOCRATIC EROSION AND REGIONAL DISINTEGRATION IN WEST AFRICA

Abstract

Military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea have had grave impacts on regional integration in West Africa. This paper examines the motivations behind these developments: how they have affected democratic governance and, more generally, regional stability in West Africa. The study is essential as it evaluates the gradual undermining of democratic principles and possible fragmentation of the region, as well as events that may affect stability and development processes in the region. Although, some recent studies on democracy and regional integration in West Africa exist, limited scholarship exists on the conditions that necessitate the withdrawal of these countries from ECOWAS and their forming the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (CASS) is scarce. A qualitative analysis of secondary data from academic journals, reports, and news articles (2015–2023 was deployed. The analysis revealed that economic grievances, security concerns, and discontent with the method for imposing democracy chosen by ECOWAS are some of the drivers behind these countries' decisions. The research finds that the erosion of democratic norms has greatly influenced political activities in these countries through increased military influence. These developments pose a threat to regional stability and cooperation in West Africa. Therefore, understanding these dynamics is critical in strategizing ways to promote democratic governance while enhancing regional cooperation measures. The findings reveal the forces that lead to regional disintegration and provide knowledge in mitigating such challenges.