Military Coups in West Africa and the Challenges of Constitutional Order: A Study of Niger Republic

Abstract

The resurgence of military coups in West Africa has raised serious concerns about the stability of democratic governance and the durability of constitutional order in the region. The July 26, 2023 military coup in Niger Republic, which led to the removal of President Mohamed Bazoum and the suspension of the constitution, represents a significant challenge to democratic consolidation in the Sahel. This article examines the resurgence of military coups in West Africa with particular focus on Niger Republic. It considers the political, socio-economic, and security factors associated with the 2023 coup, the implications for constitutional order and democratic governance, the responses of regional and international organisations, and the socio-economic and humanitarian consequences of the crisis. The study adopts a historical research design and relies on secondary data from academic literature, policy reports, government and institutional documents, and credible media publications. The data are analysed through qualitative content analysis. The study identifies weak democratic institutions, governance deficits, insecurity, socio-economic hardship, constitutional manipulation, and contested external influence as interconnected conditions associated with the resurgence of military coups. It further finds that military interventions disrupt constitutional continuity, weaken democratic institutions, generate regional tensions, and can impose substantial socio-economic costs. The article argues that strengthening constitutional institutions, accountable governance, professional civil-military relations, and regionally coordinated preventive mechanisms is central to addressing the structural conditions associated with military intervention.

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