Democratization and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in West Africa

Abstract

The paper examines the various types of unconstitutional government changes in West Africa, including military coups, tenure extensions through constitutional amendments by sitting presidents, manipulation of the political system to enable father-to-son succession, and election rigging by incumbent governments or their refusal to concede defeat. It critically analyzes the challenges to democratic change and consolidation, focusing on institutional mechanisms designed to prevent unconstitutional changes, such as Article 30 of the AU’s Constitutive Act, the Lomé Declaration, and the ECOWAS Democracy and Good Governance Protocols. The paper highlights the inherent limitations of these instruments, particularly in terms of implementation. It also reviews the responses of African governments and sub-regional bodies to these developments. Using empirical data, the study illustrates the patterns and trends of unconstitutional changes in government across the continent. It demonstrates how these fundamentally threaten democratic stability, development, and consolidation in Africa. The author emphasizes that certain threats to democracy are more likely to occur from the inherent nature and contradictions within the democratization processes in West Africa. The core of democratic politics is under threat due to the nature of its ownership, the marginalization of ordinary citizens, and the fragility of democratic institutions, which face challenges in establishing electoral rules and ensuring compliance by key political actors. This paper will appeal to anyone observing political trends in Africa and seeking an in-depth understanding of the foundations and possibilities for consolidating democracy in the region.