UNILORIN Scholar Links Governance Lapses to West African Coup Resurgence

Professor Emmanuel Ojo, a Political Science expert from the University of Ilorin, has issued a stern warning that West Africa faces the risk of being caught in an endless loop of military takeovers and subsequent counter-coups. This, he asserts, will persist unless governments effectively tackle existing governance challenges and restore public trust in democratic systems.

Professor Ojo delivered this caution on Wednesday in Ibadan, during the fourth annual guest lecture hosted by Koladaisi University's Department of Political Science and International Relations. His lecture was aptly titled, “Resurgence of Military Coups in Africa: A Prognosis.” He highlighted that the increasing frequency of military interventions across parts of Africa, particularly within the Sahel region, is directly connected to widespread discontent with civilian administrations. This dissatisfaction stems from prevalent insecurity, economic hardship, high unemployment rates, and perceived failures in leadership.

According to Professor Ojo, the combination of weak governance and a steady decline in confidence in democratic institutions has created an environment where certain citizens are increasingly viewing military rule as a viable alternative to elected governments. He remarked, “The resurgence is concentrated in the Sahel region of the continent, but the fear is that it could become contagious.”

He further observed that despite many African nations adopting democratic governance after prolonged periods of military rule, recent unconstitutional shifts in government clearly indicate that democratic achievements remain fragile in several countries. The professor pointed to several critical factors contributing to the return of military interventions, including weak democratic consolidation, legitimacy crises, inadequate institutional capacity, persistent economic challenges, a fragile national identity, and external interference.

Professor Ojo contended that the failure of political leaders to ensure inclusive development and accountable governance could continue to erode the stability and authority of civilian administrations. He emphasized the role of foreign influence, stating, “As long as African states remain economically subservient and militarily penetrated by foreign interests through the establishment of military bases, the barracks will continue to present themselves as alternatives to political authority.”

He also connected the growing support seen for some military governments to a deep-seated resentment among young Africans regarding perceived foreign domination and exploitative political and economic frameworks. Tracing the history of coups on the continent from Egypt’s 1952 military takeover to more recent events in countries like Guinea-Bissau, Ojo noted that the fundamental motivations behind military interventions have largely remained unchanged over time.

To prevent further military takeovers, he strongly advised African governments to prioritize transparency, accountability, and policies that are centered on the welfare of their citizens. He stressed that robust democratic institutions, improved civil-military relations, and sustained economic development are crucial for safeguarding against future military interventions.

Earlier in the event, Temitope Bello, the Acting Director of Research and Development at Koladaisi University, underscored the relevance of the lecture amidst growing concerns about democratic instability across Africa. Bello noted that recent unconstitutional changes in government have provoked critical discussions concerning democratic consolidation, governance failures, constitutionalism, and regional security. She also clarified that the university's lecture series aims to foster informed dialogue on pressing governance and security matters affecting the African continent.

Echoing similar sentiments, Sekinat Kola-Aderoju, the Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Management and Social Sciences, also attributed the persistence of military coups in Africa to factors such as underdevelopment, weak political structures, and external vulnerabilities. She encouraged students and researchers to critically analyze the lessons from recent continental developments and contribute actively to efforts aimed at strengthening democratic governance.