The political landscape in West Africa is undergoing a profound transformation. Currently, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger are governed by military leaders who assumed control between 2020 and 2023. These three nations, spanning a vast territory of approximately 2.8 million square kilometers, are united by a common challenge: the relentless fight against terrorism and armed groups that have destabilized the region for years.

Military authorities frequently cite the need to restore security as the primary justification for their intervention. The surge in jihadist violence created a state of perpetual instability, leading to the collapse of previous administrations. Exhausted by the inability of civilian governments to ensure their safety, many citizens initially viewed these military takeovers as a necessary short-term remedy.

However, as transition periods continue to expand, residents across the AES (Alliance of Sahel States) are beginning to question the commitment of these leaders to restoring the rule of law. Furthermore, the very foundation of democratic governance is increasingly being challenged by those in power.

In Mali, recent national dialogues led by the military government suggested the dissolution of all political parties and associations. These consultations also proposed elevating the military leader, recently promoted General Assimi Goïta, to the position of President for a renewable five-year term. Having held power since the August 2020 coup, Assimi Goïta lacks traditional electoral legitimacy, relying instead on perceived popular support that remains difficult to measure amid reports of a restrictive political environment.

The search for a new political identity

Similar dynamics are unfolding in Niger and Burkina Faso. In all three AES member states, major political factions boycotted the recent “national consultations.” True democracy relies on checks and balances, yet these nations are currently exploring models that deviate from traditional systems. There is a growing discourse regarding the need to move away from neocolonial structures and establish governance rooted in African values.

The recent coups are often framed as a quest for a new political path, challenging the democratic standards established during the national conferences of the 1990s. Those earlier movements emphasized the rule of law and the necessity of democratic transitions.

Legal experts, such as Soma Abdoulaye from the University of Ouagadougou, have pointed out that the issue in Africa often lies not with the institutions themselves, but with the lack of a democratic spirit among leaders. This observation was made prior to the takeover by Captain Ibrahim Traoré in Burkina Faso.

The manipulation of public sentiment

In Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Niamey, the debate over “Western democracy” is intense. Authorities often leverage public opinion to consolidate their hold on power, sometimes pushing democratic reforms to the background. Mali, for instance, experienced democratic alternation in 1992 with the election of Alpha Oumar Konaré, but has faced severe instability and multiple democratic ruptures since 2012.

In Niger, the introduction of multipartism in the 1990s brought hope for free expression. However, institutional failures eventually paved the way for military involvement. Following the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum, the Nigérien public remains divided on the future of democratic governance.

International bodies like ECOWAS (the Cédéao) have attempted to enforce democratic norms through sanctions. However, these measures are frequently viewed as reflections of Western influence. The current struggle in the Sahel is increasingly defined by a push for total sovereignty, leading these nations to distance themselves from ECOWAS.

Leaders like Captain Ibrahim Traoré have been vocal in their skepticism of democracy, questioning whether it truly fosters development. In contrast, critics argue that history shows the failure of dictatorial systems.

The role of political parties and the case of Guinée

Scholars emphasize that the education and strengthening of opposition parties are vital for a healthy political system. This need for reform extends beyond the AES to countries like Guinée, which has been under military rule since September 2021. The Guinéen junta has significantly altered the political landscape, banning over 50 political groups.

While Conakry has announced a constitutional referendum as a step toward restoring order, the government faces accusations of stifling dissent and suppressing freedom of speech, mirroring concerns seen in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.