Ghana's democratic future: Lessons from Africa's coup-prone countries

Recent coups in Africa highlight the continent’s democratic fragility.

In countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea, military leaders have taken power, justifying their actions by pointing to their predecessors’ corruption and economic mismanagement. 

While these leaders advocate economic prosperity and national sovereignty, it is crucial to critically analyse their narratives.

They often blame colonial legacies of exploitation and corrupt elected governments for current instabilities, portraying their actions as necessary interventions for national progress.

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Such coups can undermine governmental structures and erode citizens' trust in democratic processes. The consequences of military coups are significant, representing a retreat from democratic norms and values.

To legitimise their presence in power, coup leaders resort to propaganda. Understanding their tactics is essential for grasping the challenges facing democracy and governance in Africa today. Addressing colonial structures, ongoing exploitation of Africa and egregious political corruption is vital.

Coup leaders typically present themselves as their country’s saviours, claiming their regimes will foster economic advancement and stability.

Military governments in Mali and Burkina Faso, for example, boast about their successes in infrastructure development and reducing national debts. However, such claims often lack concrete evidence, serving as a facade for the erosion of democratic rights.

The rise of social media amplifies these narratives, allowing coup leaders to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with the populace.

Many citizens, frustrated by entrenched corruption and economic stagnation, see these leaders, at least initially, as heroes; however, such popularity is often short-lived.

Additionally, military rulers have been able to renegotiate some colonial-era natural resource contracts for better deals with alternative partners. Western nations interested in Africa’s democratic development must ensure that Africa receives fair value for its natural resources.

Democratic principles

Established African leaders, including former Presidents Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana, condemn recent coups, warning against the dangers of military rule.

They accuse coup governments of relying on violence and committing human rights abuses, yet their own legitimacy is questioned due to widespread accusations of corruption.

This creates a paradox: citizens view their democratic leaders as guardians of colonial legacies that perpetuate Africa's exploitation while being pressured by Western partners to adopt democratic principles and neoliberal economic policies for development. 

African coup leaders reject the Western narrative on African development, which often comes with conditionalities such as adopting neoliberal economic policies and a degree of democratisation. Instead, both China and Russia are perceived as positive influences in Africa, without the emphasis on democracy that accompanies Western engagement. Unlike Western governments, neither country is seen as a neo-colonial actor.

China is particularly active in Africa and generally receives a positive reception, as many African governments appreciate its investments in infrastructure and development. While concerns about potential debt traps and the quality of Chinese goods exist—often framed as a Western narrative—China's policy of non-interference and focus on trade make it a preferred partner.

While Russia’s influence is less prominent compared to China and Western nations, some African governments, including those recently established by coups, are interested in diplomatic and military relationships.

At the same time, there are concerns about Russia’s involvement in conflicts over resources.

Western media narratives do not effectively boost anti-coup pressure within Africa. Strategic interests and counterterrorism concerns from some international partners, such as Morocco, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, foster pragmatic relations with Africa’s post-coup governments, particularly in the Sahel region.

The potential for ties with Russia, coupled with rising anti-Western sentiment, limits Western responses to coups.

The global landscape is increasingly multipolar, leading to a fragmented Western approach. Countries such as Russia are able to maintain relationships with states considered pariahs by the West. 

For instance, while Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Sudan were excluded from the second United States-Africa Leaders’ Summit in December 2022, they were invited to the Second Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum in 2023.

The United States remains important economically for many African governments, including those established by coups. Yet, historical  American meddling and perceived ulterior motives do generate scepticism in Africa, compounded by concerns surrounding American aid conditionality. 

Despite Trump's ‘America First’ agenda, his administration cannot ignore Africa due to its globally significant role. Africa remains a key target of foreign interests amid American competition with China and Russia.

Additionally, Africa's abundant natural resources and strategic location further underscore its importance.

In conclusion, the resurgence of coups in Africa underscores the precarious state of democracy on the continent.

Military leaders, often viewed initially as champions of change, exploit narratives of corruption and colonial legacies to justify their ascendance.

However, their governance frequently undermines democratic processes and civil rights, while the shifting geopolitical landscape allows for new partnerships that challenge Western hegemony.

As the continent navigates these complex dynamics, it remains essential to critically assess the implications of military rule and advocate genuine democratic governance.

The writers are a political scientist and an Emeritus Professor of Politics, London Metropolitan University, UK  

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