Six years ago, the RFLD was proud to have our President, AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria, represent our organization at the 8th African Union (AU) – European Union (EU) Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Human Rights Seminar in Brussels, Belgium.
This pivotal event brought together human rights advocates from across Africa and Europe to address critical issues and foster collaborative solutions.
President AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou’s intervention left a lasting impression, emphasizing the vital role of women and youth in strengthening democracy:
“At the RFLD, we recognize that the future of democracy hinges on the meaningful inclusion of women and youth. Their active participation is crucial to strengthen transparency, accountability, and civic engagement. Encouraging civic education, promoting access to decision-making spaces, and fighting discriminatory norms are the cornerstones of a more just and democratic society.” – AGUEH Dossi Sekonnou Gloria, RFLD President
Given the recent wave of coups and democratic backsliding, what would Sub-Saharan Africa look like if this trend continues for another six years, with a complete transformation of the region’s democratic landscape?
The past five years have painted a concerning picture for democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa. A region once seemingly on the rise, with a wave of civilian-led governments, has witnessed a troubling resurgence of military coups.
- Niger:
On July 26, 2023, the military staged a coup, removing President Mohamed Bazoum from power. General Abdourahamane Tiani became the new leader.
- Burkina Faso:
The country witnessed a tumultuous period with two coups in a short span of eight months.
o On January 24, 2022, President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré was overthrown by the military. Lieutenant-Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba was sworn in as president in February.
o However, his rule was short-lived. On September 30, 2023, Damiba himself was removed by another military faction led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Traoré assumed the role of transitional president until a planned election in July 2024.
- Sudan:
• On October 25, 2021, the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhane, seized power. This coup derailed the country’s transition to democracy following the 2019 overthrow of dictator Omar al-Bashir.
• Since April 15, 2023, a power struggle between General Burhane and his former deputy Mohamed Hamdane Daglo has escalated into violence, claiming at least 5,000 lives.
- Guinea:
• On September 5, 2021, President Alpha Condé was ousted in a military coup. Colonel Mamady Doumbouya assumed the presidency on October • The military junta has promised to return power to civilians through elections by the end of 2024.
- Mali:
• The country experienced a double dose of military intervention in 2020 and 2021.
o On August 18, 2020, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was overthrown by the military. A transitional government was formed in October.
o However, tensions remained high. On May 24, 2021, the military staged a further coup, arresting the president and the Prime Minister. Colonel Assimi Goïta was inaugurated as the new head of the transitional government in June.
- Gabon:
• On August 30, 2023, a coup d’état took place in Gabon, ending President Ali Bongo’s reign. Bongo’s victory in a controversial election, which would have extended his family’s rule for over six decades, sparked tensions and ultimately led to the military intervention. General Brice Oligui Nguema, head of the Republican Guard, emerged as the new strongman.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):
• Although not experiencing a successful coup, it’s worth mentioning that the DRC faced an attempted coup on May 19, 2024.
- The Case of Guinea-Bissau:
- It’s important to note the attempted coup that occurred in Guinea-Bissau on February 1, 2022. While President Umaro Sissoco Embaló declared the coup attempt unsuccessful just a few hours later, the incident highlights the fragility of democratic institutions in the region.
- The Case of Chad:
- In Chad, the situation was particularly complex. Following the death of President Idriss Déby in April 2021 while leading operations against armed rebels, the constitutional order dictated that the President of the National Assembly should assume the interim presidency. However, Déby’s family was determined to retain power, even temporarily. A Transitional Military Council was formed, and Déby’s son, Mahamat Idriss Déby, was installed as the new leader. This move effectively constituted a coup d’état. The younger Déby proceeded to dissolve the Parliament, abrogate the Constitution, and suppress protests with violence.
The recent surge in coups signifies a complex web of issues plaguing Sub-Saharan Africa. Here are some key factors:
- Governance Deficits: Endemic corruption, weak institutions, and a lack of accountability have created fertile ground for disillusionment with civilian leadership. Citizens perceive their concerns as falling on deaf ears, leading some to view military intervention as a desperate solution.
- Socio-Economic Challenges: Poverty, unemployment, and food insecurity heighten societal anxieties. When governments fail to deliver on economic promises, frustration can boil over, creating an environment ripe for military opportunism.
- External Interference: The role of external actors, both regional and international, cannot be ignored. Some regional powers might harbor vested interests in propping up certain regimes, while foreign powers may exploit political instability to advance their own agendas.
- Erosion of Democratic Norms: The manipulation of constitutions to extend term limits, a tactic employed by leaders in Gabon and Guinea, weakens democratic institutions and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
- The “Coup Contagion” Phenomenon: Coups in neighboring countries can inspire similar actions, creating a domino effect that destabilizes entire regions.
The consequences of these coups are far-reaching and profoundly negative.
- Human Rights Abuses: Military takeovers often lead to a crackdown on dissent and a suspension of civil liberties. Human rights groups have documented increased arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings in the wake of coups.
- Economic Uncertainty: Coups disrupt economic activity, leading to a decline in foreign investment and a stalling of development projects. Investors become hesitant in an environment lacking predictability and stability.
- Regional Insecurity: The rise of military juntas weakens regional cooperation in the fight against terrorism and transnational crimes. Jihadist groups and criminal organizations can exploit the power vacuum created by coups to expand their influence.
- Disillusionment with Democracy: The repeated overthrow of elected governments breeds cynicism and apathy among the population. This undermines the legitimacy of democratic institutions and hinders long-term efforts to build a culture of democratic participation.
The current situation in Sub-Saharan Africa demands a multi-pronged approach to restore stability and put the region back on the path towards democracy.
- Strengthening Institutions: Investing in good governance, promoting transparency, and holding leaders accountable are crucial to address the root causes of discontent. Robust institutions – parliaments, judiciaries, and independent media – are essential for a healthy democracy.
Addressing Socio- - Economic Issues: Governments must prioritize economic development, create jobs, and invest in education and healthcare. Providing tangible improvements in the lives of citizens can help to legitimize civilian leadership and reduce the appeal of military interventions.
- Promoting Regional Cooperation: Regional bodies like the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) need to play a more proactive role in deterring coups, mediating conflicts, and supporting democratic transitions.
- Empowering Women and Youth: These groups have a vital role to play in strengthening democracy. Investments in civic education and increased access to decision-making spaces for women and youth can foster a more inclusive and participatory political landscape.
- The Role of the International Community: The international community can support efforts to bolster democracy by providing resources for good governance initiatives, conditioning aid on democratic reforms, and condemning unconstitutional power grabs.
The RFLD reiterates its commitment to:
- Promoting Civic Education: We advocate for educational programs that empower citizens, particularly women and youth, to understand their rights and responsibilities in a democracy. This includes educating them on how to identify misinformation, engage in peaceful protests, and hold leaders accountable.
- Enhancing Political Participation: The RFLD works to dismantle discriminatory norms that hinder women and youth from participating fully in political processes. We support initiatives that train women and youth to run for office, advocate for their communities, and hold elected officials accountable.
- Building a Culture of Peace: The RFLD promotes dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution mechanisms to address grievances and prevent violence. We believe that strong civil society organizations can play a crucial role in mediating disputes and fostering a more inclusive political space.
The democratic backsliding in Sub-Saharan Africa is a complex challenge that requires a collective response from national governments, regional bodies, international actors, and civil society organizations. By addressing the root causes of discontent, strengthening democratic institutions, and empowering women and youth, we can build a more stable and prosperous future for the region.
The RFLD stands ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to ensure that the dreams of democracy in Sub-Saharan Africa are not further eroded. We urge all actors to recommit themselves to the principles of good governance, human rights, and the peaceful transfer of power. Only through a concerted effort can we ensure that the future of Sub-Saharan Africa is one defined by democracy, not by the barrel of a gun.
