With nearly a decade of military service under my belt, including two tours with the United Nations peacekeeping forces in Mali and Ivory Coast, I come to this discussion not as a distant observer but as one deeply entrenched in the fabric of West African geopolitics. I feel a pressing need to caution those who perceive coups d’état as a panacea for our prevailing economic challenges.
The Re-emergence of Military Takeovers
In the corridors of power and in the streets of Africa, particularly in West Africa, there is a worrying and re-emerging belief: that the military is the savior needed to address the region’s drastic economic decline. This perception, fueled by the recent wave of coups d’état across Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon, suggests a disillusionment with the political class and a misplaced hope in the perceived efficiency of military regimes.
Beyond French Colonies
While the spotlight on coup d’états currently shines on former French colonies, the pattern of economic decline and the diminishing hope among the youth is not limited to these territories. Nations like Ghana and Nigeria, which have different colonial legacies, are also treading on explosive mines. The palpable sense of hopelessness among the youth and the blatant mismanagement of state resources are becoming all too evident across the region. Politics, alarmingly, is morphing into a lucrative scheme for personal enrichment in West Africa.
The Problematic Political Culture
A dive into the political milieu of certain African nations reveals blatant power abuses. The conflation of governance with familial ties, as seen in Equatorial Guinea with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema and his son, Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, epitomizes this. Such entanglements not only challenge democratic tenets but also pave the way for corruption. The shocking discovery of millions siphoned off to foreign accounts of African leaders is a testament to this menace.
Moreover, figures like Paul Biya of Cameroon, Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, and the late Idriss Déby of Chad, who held onto power for prolonged periods, curtailed political evolution. Their reigns, often extended through constitutional amendments, have stagnated the region’s economic and political growth.
The Illusion of Military Efficiency
From the outside, the military may seem like a well-oiled machine characterized by discipline, order, and decisiveness. However, running a nation is starkly different from commanding a battlefield. The complexities of economic stewardship, diplomacy, and civil governance are not subjects covered in standard military training. The skill set required to navigate these intricacies is vastly different from the tactical strategies employed in combat.
Consider the coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso. Each was precipitated by the government’s poor handling of security concerns. Military leaders, stepping into the power vacuum, promised order and security. Yet, in each case, the nation was left grappling with political crises, protests, and in some cases, increased violence. The promise of stability remains elusive. Well-intentioned military interventions can compound societal rifts.
So, if military takeovers are not the panacea for West Africa’s challenges, what is the way forward?
Addressing the Root Causes
Economic adversities and regional insecurity have undeniably contributed to the region’s challenges. Yet, these systemic issues cannot be vanquished through brute force. Comprehensive solutions must be sought, encompassing economic reforms, inclusive governance, fortified institutions, and collaborative regional initiatives.
For West Africa to truly thrive, it needs to extricate itself from this cyclical turmoil. Nation leaders must internalize that they’re stewards of collective heritages, not proprietors of personal assets. Embracing transparency, championing sustainable development, and upholding democracy are imperative.
The Imperative of Political Leadership and Global Collaboration
The onus of change lies predominantly with West Africa’s political elite. The prevailing disillusionment that makes military takeovers appealing stems from a dearth of visionary political leadership. Now, more than ever, politicians must prioritize their populace’s welfare, advocate for transparency, and champion sustainable growth.
Furthermore, Western countries need a paradigm shift in their relations with African nations. Instead of treating these nations as mere pawns in global geopolitics, there must be a genuine effort to engage them as true partners, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Although military regimes may project an image of immediate action and structure, history underscores their frequent inadequacy in addressing deep-rooted national challenges. West Africa merits leaders who grasp this nuance and are unwavering in their commitment to a prosperous, stable, and inclusive future.
By Banda Abdallah A Khalifa, MD, MPH, MBA
The writer is Ph.D. Student of Johns Hopkins University. He has a Diploma in Military Studies and is a Former Squadron Leader and Veteran of 2 UN Peacekeeping Missions.