Democratic overthrows and untimely coups d’état have become commonplace in Africa. Between 2020 and 2023, nine coups d’état were recorded, six in West Africa alone. These unconstitutional changes undermine states’ efforts to establish stable democratic governance. Even if militarized governance is currently one of the evils undermining the effectiveness of democracy, the fact remains that there are still a number of issues to be resolved for a genuine return to a democratic system in Africa.
The democracy that used to be the system of governance by excellence in Africa is in decline. Over the past decade, the democratic management of government has diminished on the continent. Coup d’état, internal war and terrorism have taken over the identity of several countries, notably in West, East and Central Africa. In view of the impact of unconstitutional changes of gouvernement , the African Union, supported by ECOWAS, is campaigning for the inclusion of political parties and the provision of financial resources to safeguard democracy in Africa.
Strengthening national institutions requires a multi-pronged approach: support for capacity building, including appropriate training in legal reforms, and in some cases budgetary support for operational activities, as well as strong engagement with political parties, which are the king and queen makers but are often denied and marginalized.
Dr. Linda Darkwa, Coordinator of the Training for Peace program – Ghana
Between 2020 and 2023, 9 military coups d’Etat darkened African governance, notably in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Chad, Sudan, Niger and Gabon.These coups d’état took place against a backdrop of widespread disregard for political and civil liberties, coupled with growing economic difficulties and worsening insecurity, mainly affecting youth, who make up 60% of the continent’s inhabitants.
The role of specialized training in security and intelligence for young people is not only an investment in their skills, but above all a testimony to the central role of youth in safeguarding democratic values.
Khouloud Baghouri, AU Youth Ambassador for Peace – North Africa – Tunisia
Beyond the military cause, peace activists are calling on states to ensure that elections are held and that the constitution is respected, which, if poorly managed, is an obstacle to democracy. As Janah Ncube, Deputy Executive Director of Crisis Action, points out, it is essential to question the right to democratic governance for the African people.
For me, it’s not just the military or armed actors who are a problem for the democratic governance of the African people. I can’t encourage that, but these actions, although scourges, also help to protect the constitutions of those elected to power.
Janah Ncube, Crisis Action Deputy Executive Director – Zimbabwe
For Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Africa must unite to challenge the state of democratic regression. And to achieve this, it is necessary to include all stakeholders, as the decline of democracy affects all social strata.
