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Paper short abstract:

This paper investigates the root causes of the crisis of constitutionalism and democracy in Francophone Africa and proposes some remedies.

Paper long abstract:

Constitutionalism is usually defined as a technique of limitation of power by a written constitution. Historically, it refers to the movement that occurred during the Enlightenment, and that led to the replacement of the existing customs by written constitutions. These written constitutions were designed as a means to limit the absolutism and sometimes the despotism of the monarchs. Three principles are at the core of this constitutionalism: rule of law, separation of power and the protection of fundamental human rights.

Constitutionalism appeared in Africa with colonialism (even though some argue that precolonial Africa did have a certain form of constitutionalism). Indeed, after decolonization, most of African countries adopted written constitutions, inspired by those of their former colonial powers. However, the application of these constitutions was in large part ineffective, which led to many coups in many countries. After the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War, most of the African countries returned to democracy with new written constitutions. One might have thought from this point that constitutionalism had firmly taken root on the continent. However, we have been witnessing from the pass few years, the return of unconstitutional changes of power in many African countries. These unconstitutional changes take the form of coups d’Etat (Mali, Guinea, Tchad, Burkina Faso, Niger, Gabon). They also take the form of what is referred to as “constitutional manipulations”, i.e., the revisions of the constitutions in order to take off the time limit (Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Central African Republic).

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Paper short abstract:

In response to the military coup in Burkina Faso, the Wayignans' occupation of public spaces, prompted by the call for citizen vigilance, is analyzed using an ethnographic approach to understand its influence on power dynamics and the redefinition of the state-civil society relationship.

Paper long abstract:

Since the establishment of the military coup led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré, a unique dynamic has unfolded in both urban and rural landscapes of Burkina Faso: the occupation of roundabouts and public spaces by groups of citizens commonly referred to as Wayignans. This mobilization, in response to the imperatives of citizen vigilance encouraged by the current military-political regime, is the central focus of this analysis. Grounded in an ethnographic approach, it relies on participatory observation and in-depth interviews with the actors engaged in these groups. The analysis is complemented using secondary data from traditional media and social networks, which have become crucial spaces for information exchange and discussion among participants.

This study meticulously examines the occupation of roundabouts and public spaces by the Wayignans, exploring the symbolic meaning, mechanisms at play, and underlying issues of this mobilization within contemporary political governance. The primary objective is to unravel how this new expression of civil society influences power dynamics, contributing to the redefinition of the relationship between the state and civil society. The analysis also delves into the participants' perceptions of their actions and the roles they ascribe to this mobilization. Finally, it aims to grasp the fundamental dynamics of this mobilization while identifying the factors conducive to this distinctive form of citizen participation.

This contribution falls within the realm of political sociology and social movements, seeking to enrich sociological discourse by offering original perspectives on power dynamics, forms of protest, and emerging social tensions in this particular context.

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Paper short abstract:

This paper seeks to respond to the question raised on whether the resurgence of coups in the Sahel region is caused by the failure of Liberal democracy or another form of decolonization?

Paper long abstract:

The sub-Saharan Africa has been engulfed in many conflicts in the past decades caused by socio-economic decline, political, ethnic and foreign interference especially from France. The resurgence of coups in the Sahel region of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger between 2020 and 2023 has attracted debates among scholars and political analysts. While many studies have focused on the root causes regional and international responses, there remain a lot of unanswered questions of the real intentions of the military juntas. This paper aims to evaluate the domino effects of the coups especially by the former colonies of France in the recent past to ascertain whether the coups were caused by the failure of liberal democracy or another form of decolonization by another means. The recent withdrawal of the three countries from the Economic Community of West African States amid stringent sanctions, withdrawal of foreign aids and cancellation of military assistance from France and other western powers points to the decolonization paradigm of the juntas to throw away the neo-colonial yoke of France. In view of the mass appeals and goodwill the coups had received from the jubilant public, the paper contends that we are either witnessing the failure of liberal democracy or second wave of decolonization in the twenty-first century?

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Paper short abstract:

The military coups in Sub-Saharan countries deeply impact African society by breaching their constitutional order. The constitutional disruption affects both the institutional and the normative dimensions of the constitutional law

Paper long abstract:

Military takeover as a mean of acceding to political power has resurged in the last four years (from 2020 to now) in Africa, predominately in the sub-Saharan countries (Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger, Chad, Sudan, Gabon). This new trend is very anachronistic, as African societies seemed to have definitively adhered to the democratic principle and the rule of law. It disrupts then the so called « new constitutionalism » era in Africa (Colliard and Jégouzo, 2001) set up at the end of the cold war, from the eve of 1990s. While the various justifications put forward remain questionable, the consequences are immeasurable. One of these consequences, from a legal stand, is constitutional disturbance. The first target of the coups perpetrators is, indeed, to breach the constitutional order that grounds the political power they tear down.

Considering the importance of constitutionalism in contemporary societies, constitutional disturbance is a perfect angle to assess the degree of disruption caused by military coups in the communities entangled in such crisis. This proposal aims to analyse the flash-back generated by the phenomenon on the constitutional issues. Indeed, prima facie, it appears that these military takeovers severely affect the constitutional law, through both its institutional and normative dimensions. While on one hand, the coups d’état destabilize the political institutional architecture, on the other hand, they contribute to enhance the constitutional normative crisis (Aivo, 2012).

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Paper short abstract:

The Sahel region has great potential in natural resources, energy, and tourism. Unfortunately, it has also faced many challenges such as poverty, poor governance, security issues, and the more recent military coups. Military inventions has spark several causal explanations within the region.

Paper long abstract:

The Sahel region is rich in natural resources, energy sources, tourism opportunities, and cultural diversity. Sadly, it has also struggled with many difficulties such as poverty, poor governance, political instability, and security issues. Groups like militant Islamists, insurgents/terrorists, bandits, and rustlers have caused significant damage to the socio-economic and political fabric of the region. Despite its wealth, the region has not experienced the desired development or the dividends of democracy. Consequently, military interventions have taken place in at least five countries within the region. While some attribute the reasons for this to internal dynamics, others believe that external political machinations of Western states are to blame. This study aims to explore the reasons behind this resurgence from the perspectives of regional and global power politics, as well as neo-colonialism. The study will use two theories - the relative deprivation theory of war and the conspiracy theory - to explain a series of recent military coups in the Sahel. It will use a historical approach and qualitative method, drawing information from existing literature, content analysis of editorial and reportage of media outlets, and expert opinions on the subject matter.

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Paper short abstract:

Considering the now common knowledge that youths are champions of peace and development, this remains unrealistic in Africa. Reflecting on youths in the Sahel the study demonstrated that dialogue and instruments such as youth manifesto and youth policy are crucial to air their plan for change.

Paper long abstract:

The world comprises 1.8 billion young people, 90% of whom leave in developing countries. In African countries where youth comprise more than 75% of the population, of which the majority are below the age of 25, bring to attention the role of youth in attaining sustainable development and facilitating peace and security. This is due to the fact that this most youthful continent suffers from underdevelopment and insecurity problems. This persist despite the fact that almost all countries’ laws and development plans mention youths as an engine of development and peace. The Sahel region has about 60% of the population under the age of 25 who suffer from a high unemployment rate, hunger and extreme poverty. Consequently, they are recruited by criminal gangs instead of facilitating sustainable development, peace, and security. Focusing on Burkina Faso and Niger, this exploratory study that used secondary data researched the status of youth towards peace and development. The findings show that dialogue and instruments such as youth manifesto and youth policy have to be keenly considered since they express youths priorities. Additionally, despite the fact that many youths are recruited and involved in violence, majority are patriotic to their countries and call for good governance that will provide them employment and protect their lives and natural resources. They also seek active involvement in decision-making to determine their own fate. The study has policy recommendations that youth empowerment programs should be incorporated in the governance structures and recognized by regime of the day.

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Paper short abstract:

This abstract delves into rising West African Sahel coups focusing on Mali. Amid terrorism and military takeovers, it highlights coups' impact on democracy, security and public discontent. Emphasizing civil society's role it underscores internal/external contributions to Sahel's peace and governance

Paper long abstract:

This abstract investigates the escalating prevalence of coup d'états in the West African Sahel, with a specific focus on Mali's experience over the past three years. Amidst heightened instability characterized by persistent and seemingly purposeless terrorist activities, insurgencies, and a recent surge in military coups, various countries in the Sahel region grapple with a contagious trend fostering an atmosphere of unease within political institutions. The resurgence of these coups has raised questions about their underlying causes, nature, and perspectives among diverse stakeholders. The contagious trend of military takeovers has further created an atmosphere of unease within political institutions, fostering a pervasive sense of insecurity that undermines democratic principles. The interplay between security concerns and the strengthening of national militaries is examined, emphasizing the potential risks when public backing for elected governments diminishes. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the study first analyzes the root causes of the coups, considering the perspectives of local communities versus external entities. Second, it examines the importance of cultivating a robust civil society for democratic processes while exploring the effects of the coups on the region and its states. Lastly, the analysis raises crucial questions about the role internal and external entities can play in promoting peace, stability, good governance, and democratic practices within the Sahel.