Africa has experienced six military coups and two attempted coups. These events represent a sharp rise in such contested political transitions over the previous 10-year period and indicates the possibility of further instability on the continent.
Political and constitutional reforms in West African countries challenges the role of ECOWAS in advancing democracy and stability in the region.
Infrastructures for peace are strengthened through community platforms for resilience, conflict early warning and dialogue.
Sustaining peace in West Africa requires multi-level partnerships that engage and foster robust relationships among critical actors at key levels.
The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has decided to establish a Corps of Young Volunteers dedicated to work towards regional integration and development.
Understanding the importance of clearly communicating stakeholder interests in a negotiation or mediation setting.
From a general perspective it can be said that every actor in the Sahel is walking on a tight rope trying to achieve limited objectives, without remaining stuck in the many complexities of the local political milieu.
The alarming rate of coups on the continent are an indicator that firmer measures are required from the AU and respective regional bodies as a deterrent.
Prior to the coups, the continent had already witnessed 7 popular uprisings within the last decade that brought about changes in government. The actions, and inactions, of the military were critical to the outcome of these uprisings.
In the four affected countries of Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, widespread insecurity and limited access to health, education and other essential services amid the pandemic threaten to roll back sustainable development gains.