Paper short abstract:

This paper examines the implications of military coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso for ECOWAS member states' national security. It argues that these coups undermine democracy, increase insecurity, and heighten risks of transnational violence and foreign interference in the West African region.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the implications of recent military coups in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso for the national security of ECOWAS member states. It argues that these coups have not only undermined democratic and constitutional principles but have also exacerbated insecurity and instability across West Africa. The study provides a comparative analysis of the political conditions preceding the coups, identifying key drivers such as weak governance, corruption, and escalating insurgencies that led to the military's seizure of power in these states.

The paper further explores how these coups have affected domestic political dynamics and regional security, focusing on the altered power relations within the countries and the shifting roles of key actors, including ECOWAS, civil society, and international stakeholders. The coups have heightened the risk of transnational violence, insurgency, and foreign interference, while also challenging the legitimacy of democratic institutions in the region. These developments pose a significant threat to the stability of other ECOWAS member states, potentially creating a contagion effect that may encourage similar military interventions elsewhere.

We conclude by offering policy recommendations aimed at restoring stability and protecting the national security of ECOWAS member states. These include reinforcing democratic institutions, enhancing regional security cooperation, and supporting transitional governments in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso to ensure a return to civilian rule.