~ This post has been authored by the Editorial Team of The Writ Review.
During the inaugural session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following his election as chairman, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu addressed the assembly of regional leaders in Abuja. He cautioned them about the resurgence of modern imperialism across the continent. President Tinubu’s assertive remarks are reflective of the recent turmoil within the region. From 2020 to 2023, West Africa was the stage for numerous military takeovers. The 2020 coup in Mali notably set off a chain reaction throughout the area. This sequence of events has led to the Sahel belt, stretching from Mali to Sudan, being dubbed “The Coup Belt.” Following Mali’s coup in 2020, Chad, Guinea, and Sudan in 2021, and Burkina Faso twice in 2022 and 2023, all experienced military overthrows. Furthermore, shortly after President Tinubu’s proclamation at the ECOWAS Summit, the Niger Republic succumbed to a military regime.
The justifications provided by the coup leaders for overthrowing their governments varied, yet a recurring narrative was their claim of acting out of necessity to liberate their nations from external subjugation. This perspective holds some validity. Despite the long and often violent struggle for decolonization, West Africa continues to battle with dependency on its former colonial powers. The economic infrastructure established by Western powers, including aspects like currency, commerce, and agriculture, was designed to maintain West African nations in a subordinate position within the global economic hierarchy. This historical backdrop provides a context of underdevelopment that affords a degree of credibility to the actions of those who have orchestrated these coups.
The narrative of colonization in West Africa is a complex one, deeply rooted in the continent’s history and its ongoing struggle with the legacy of imperial domination. The Berlin Conference of 1885 marked the beginning of the “Scramble for Africa,” where major imperial powers partitioned the continent, leading to the brutal suppression of native populations in West Africa. European colonizers restructured the economic systems of African states to serve their own interests, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, resulting in the severe exploitation of West African resources.
Despite achieving political independence in the mid-20th century, West African countries continued to grapple with economic structures that favored their former colonizers. Nigeria’s post-independence experience is a testament to the colonial powers’ efforts to maintain economic control. The British colonial office, for instance, sought to influence Nigeria’s economy through various means, including the establishment of an Economic Advisory Committee to guide economic policy.
The concept of “neo-colonialism,” as identified by Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah, describes the subtle continuation of colonialism through economic and other forms of influence, despite the absence of direct political control. Nkrumah’s insights, along with those of other African intellectuals like Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, highlight the persistent challenges faced by African states in asserting their sovereignty and pursuing autonomous development in the shadow of their colonial past. This history of colonization and the struggle for true decolonization underscore the intricate and enduring impact of foreign domination on the political and economic landscape of West Africa. The region’s experience reflects the broader narrative of Africa’s quest for genuine independence and self-determination in the post-colonial era.
Challenges in the modern era
The decolonization process in Africa remains incomplete, with the passing of early anti-colonial leaders like Nyerere and Nkrumah leaving a void in the struggle for true independence. While the British, French, and Portuguese have formally relinquished control, the economic exploitation of the continent persists. Africa’s vast natural resources and significant global population make it a target for emerging powers like China and India, seeking to capitalize on its untapped economic and political potential.
Despite the continent’s strategic importance, reflected in its United Nations voting power and market potential, the benefits are yet to reach the ordinary people. The political elite hold the reins, causing frustration among the populace who desire more involvement in leadership selection. This sentiment is supported by a West African poll indicating a desire for democratic participation, despite skepticism about the system’s effectiveness.
Economist Dambisa Moyo has highlighted the need for governance reform to ensure the survival of democracy in Africa, where economic and social hardships have rendered political freedom meaningless for many. Nigeria, as the most populous African nation and one with significant poverty, exemplifies the ineffectiveness of democracy in addressing the people’s suffering. This backdrop of economic and social challenges explains why coups have been tolerated in the region, despite warnings from leaders like Tinubu. The African population, tired of colonial exploitation, is open to any means of liberation. Tinubu’s call to action against exploiters resonates with a continent eager to end its suffering and achieve true autonomy.
Conclusion:
Africa grapples with the legacy of military coups and the challenge of true decolonization. As mistrust grows towards former colonial powers like France, nations such as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have turned to new partners like China and Russia for support. Russia, having alienated itself internationally, sees an opportunity in West Africa to gain allies by offering food and military aid in exchange for resources. This neocolonial exchange hinders the decolonization process, replacing old imperialist influences with new ones. In July 2023, ECOWAS considered military intervention against coup plotters in Niger, risking a proxy conflict involving Russia and Western powers. Niger sought help from Russia’s Wagner Group, while the U.S. and its allies could support ECOWAS through AFRICOM. For Africa to break free from exploitation and for West Africa to overcome its “Coup Belt” image, leaders must address decolonization and economic revival. This includes developing security, healthcare, infrastructure, water, education, and job opportunities, fighting corruption, and improving governance to meet the people’s needs.