By Abdul Bero Kamara
The recent events in West Africa have raised concerns about the potential consequences for the region’s stability and democratic governance. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been a key player in promoting peace and democracy in the region, but its response to recent political crises has sparked debate and criticism.
Undoubtedly, a series of military coups took place in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger over four years. Despite international condemnation of these coups, ECOWAS initially took a strong stance by imposing sanctions and threatening military intervention if democratic governments were not reinstated.
The article discusses the controversial decision made by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) today 24/02/24 to remove economic sanctions imposed on countries in the region following military coups. The Sledgehammer is of the view that this decision sets a dangerous precedent and may encourage more military coups across the region.
The Chairman of ECOWAS, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, justified this decision by citing humanitarian considerations, such as the Lenten period and the approaching month of Ramadan. However, the author criticizes this move as a betrayal of democracy and a setback for the region, arguing that it sends the wrong message and may embolden other military takeovers
The perceived inconsistency in ECOWAS’s response to coups in different member states has raised questions about the organization’s commitment to upholding democratic norms and principles. It is the view of the sledgehammer that ECOWAS is guilty of applying double standards and prioritizing political expediency over democratic values in its dealings with member states in crisis.
The concern that ECOWAS’s actions could lead to a “tendency for more coups” underscores the urgent need for the organization to reassess its approach to political crises in the region. For instance, Strengthening mechanisms for preventing and responding to coups, upholding democratic norms, and holding member states accountable for their actions are essential steps to avoid further destabilization and preserve the hard-won gains in peace and democracy in West Africa.
Furthermore, ECOWAS’s approach risks undermining the principles of constitutional democracy and the rule of law in the region. By legitimizing coups through negotiation and compromise, ECOWAS may inadvertently encourage further military takeovers and weaken the prospects for peaceful political transitions.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes the negative implications of ECOWAS’s decision, warning that it could lead to a dangerous trend of military coups in West Africa.
The Sledgehammer is of the view that the decision of ECOWAS Chairman President Tinubu is perceived as a weak response to the threat to democracy in the region and further expresses concern about the potential consequences of ECOWAS’s actions on the stability of the region.
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Thanks for your good piece. But considering the French colonized West Africacan states, vehemently refusing their bondage to France; is a heroic stand. And I support Tinubu’s “sledgehammer” reversal stance.
Decision that gear towards Political expediency are good but not at the expense of democracy. We’ve seen through the years the peaceful transition of power from one Political party to another using democracy, but recently new trajectories are unfolding especially in West Africa (military coups and the reckless and blatant rigging of elections which has been done with impunity). These new trends of attaining power in West Africa will emboldened other military officers in other countries to be committing coups whilst governments steal elections in broad day light.
ECOWAS really needs to step up its game to avoid civil unrests or worst case civil wars in the region in the long term. For example, the june 2023 elections theft in Sierra Leone has rendered that country to be fragile in terms of peaceful coexistence amongst it’s citizens and even between the citizens and the largely unrecognised government of president Bio.
Decisions that gear towards Political expediency are good but not at the expense of democracy. We’ve seen through the years the peaceful transition of power from one Political party to another using democracy, but recently new trajectories are unfolding especially in West Africa (military coups and the reckless and blatant rigging of elections which has been done with impunity). These new trends of attaining power in West Africa will emboldened other military officers in other countries to be committing coups whilst governments steal elections in broad day light.
ECOWAS really needs to step up its game to avoid civil unrests or worst case civil wars in the region in the long term. For example, the june 2023 elections theft in Sierra Leone has rendered that country to be fragile in terms of peaceful coexistence amongst it’s citizens and even between the citizens and the largely unrecognised government of president Bio.