News
Between Imperialism and Military Rule: The Choiceless Political Reality in West Africa
Between Imperialism and Military Rule: The Choiceless Political Reality in West Africa
By Chukwuemeka B. Eze and Jeggan Gray Johnson
West Africa stands today at a troubling crossroads where democratic aspirations collide with deep geopolitical tensions, failing institutions, and a new wave of military interventions- raising legitimate questions of the region’s democratic trajectory fifty years after its formation. Have we plateaued or plummeted into the age of the erosion of established normative procedures and democratic institutions, or is the regional experiment in a stage of reflection of deeper, ongoing challenges? Are citizens confronting systems that they perceive as imperial impositions and using whatever means available to them to resist? Or are they facing a crisis of democracy itself, a legitimacy crisis stemming from civil rule that often masks authoritarian tendencies? Why are military coups predominantly re-emerging in Francophone countries? Is this a coincidence, or does it reveal unresolved histories of external influence, entrenched political economies or distinctive patterns of state–society relations in these contexts? In whose name and under whose mandate do political elites continue to hold power? Why are we so quick to dismiss the military as being outside of the political system when, in fact, it is an institution shaped by the same social, economic and political dynamics as the rest of society? To what extent does our discourse artificially separate civilians from soldiers, rather than examining the broader governance ecosystem that produces both?
Citizens increasingly find themselves trapped between three unappealing forces—the entrenched culture of ‘electoral despotism’, external imperial influence and internal military domination. The trilateral dilemma has produced a disturbing condition: a choiceless choice, where none of the options seem incapable of delivering stability, dignity, peace and security or even genuine sovereignty.
The Long Shadow of Imperialism: More than six decades after independence, imperial legacies remain deeply embedded in West Africa’s political and economic structures. Former colonial powers continue to exert influence through aid conditionalities, control of extractive industries, military cooperation agreements, and political alliances that safeguard their strategic interests. In countries like Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Benin, resentment toward external interference; particularly from France has grown into a widespread political sentiment.
Economic dependence, currency constraints (such as the CFA franc), and foreign troops stationed on African soil reinforce the perception that the region’s sovereignty remains compromised. This has created fertile ground for anti-imperialist rhetoric, often championed by populist actors and military juntas who exploit these grievances to gain legitimacy.
The Return of Soldiers to Politics: The last decade has seen a resurgence of military takeovers in the region. Coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, representing a largest coup belt in the world, and recently attempted interventions in Benin- a socio-political enigma and Guinea Bissau- the region’s narco-state, reflect a collapse of public trust in democratic systems perceived as kleptocratic, ineffective, and elite-controlled. Many West Africans, frustrated by insecurity, poverty, and government failure, initially welcomed soldiers as “corrective forces.” But military rule often replaces one form of authoritarianism with another and characterised by restricted freedoms, politicized security apparatus, uncertain transition timelines, limited economic vision and opportunity, heavy reliance on foreign military partners (Russia, Turkey, Gulf states) and debt, overshadowed by a youth bulge threatening to burst at the seams. e. Thus, the promise of liberation from imperialism frequently gives way to new dependencies and domestic authoritarianism, and ultimately, policy incoherence, confusion and instability.
The Choiceless Choice: The tragedy is that citizens are forced to choose between very difficult and perhaps inferior alternatives: Imperialism, which undermines sovereignty and reinforces structural inequalities, the electoral despotism- where power remains concentrated within a cabal or small host of elites, and Military rule, which suspends constitutional order and democratic rights. All option addresses the core issues driving instability: weak governance, unemployment, fractured national identities, extremist threats, and the absence of economic diversification. In this vacuum, West Africans face a situation where every available choice feels imposed, not freely made.
The Geopolitical Chessboard: Part of the crisis stems from the region’s growing importance in global geopolitics. West Africa has become a stage for competition among major powers: France and the EU seek to preserve influence, The United States prioritizes counterterrorism, Russia positions itself as an anti-West alternative, China expands via infrastructure loans, and the eventual confiscation of strategic minerals anchored in the blue and green economies, Gulf states and Turkey enter with economic and military interests and the list continues to expand. These competing agendas pull governments in different directions, leaving citizens with little say over the region’s strategic direction.
The Decline of Democratic Credibility: Democracy in West Africa is in crisis not merely because of coups, but because a leadership pandemic. The region has a critical and morally bankrupt leadership. of Manipulated constitutions, electoral fraud, corruption scandals, and impunity have hollowed out institutions. When democratic governments fail to deliver development or justice, the military’s rhetoric of “rescue missions” becomes appealing. Yet these interventions ultimately produce another cycle of disillusionment.
What Real Sovereignty Requires: Breaking this cycle demands a new political imagination—one rooted in African agency, not external dictates or military paternalism. A pathway to genuine sovereignty includes: Strengthening democratic institutions beyond elections, economic independence, especially through value-added industries, regional security cooperation less reliant on external forces, civic education and accountability systems, that are citizenry driven, that restore public trust, as well as a pan-African political consciousness capable of resisting both imperial pressure and internal authoritarianism. The future depends on reclaiming democracy as a tool of liberation, not a façade for elite capture.
Conclusion: West Africa’s tragedy is not that it lacks alternatives, but that the region’s political trajectory has become trapped between two dominant and deeply flawed forces. Imperialism continues to shape its geopolitics and economy, while military rulers exploit public frustration to consolidate power. Together, they create a choiceless political reality where citizens struggle to find a path that protects both sovereignty and freedom. Yet within this crisis lies an opportunity: the chance to articulate a new political vision grounded in bold leadership, accountable governance, and regional solidarity. Reimagining democracy means going beyond periodic elections. It means nurturing institutions that are stronger than individuals and ensuring that power remains accountable to the people. It means prioritizing people’s power over that of statesmen, strengthening judicial independence, fortifying the institutions meant to protect democracy and ensuring that the exercise of power after elections truly serves citizens. Only then can West Africans move beyond the suffocating binary of imperialism and soldiers—and reclaim the right to choose their own future.
Chukwuemeka B. Eze is the Director for Democratic Futures in Africa and Jeggan Grey Johnson, Advocacy Advisor at the Open Society Foundations
Between Imperialism and Military Rule: The Choiceless Political Reality in West Africa
After Boko Haram’s destructions, Governor Buni built modern markets across Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
Yobe State is one of the states whose economic activities were destroyed and suffered from the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of Nigeria, and in its effort to expand the economic activities in the state and also to provide infrastructure facilities to the citizens of the state after recovery from the Boko Haram insurgency. His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Yobe State, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has built modern markets across the state in order to boost the economy and businesses in the state. The Commissioner of Home Affairs and Information, Hon. Abdullahi Bego, said there are two types of markets that His Excellency built. The first one is the ultramodern markets: one in Potiskum, one in Damaturu, the state capital, one in Geidam, one in Gashu’a, and another one in Nguru town. The major towns of Yobe State have one each of these markets. And also, we have the modern markets: one in Yunusari, one in Machina, one in Ngalda, and one in Buni Yadi, an ongoing project.
The commissioner of Housing and Rural Development, Architect Ahmed Buba, said His Excellency has constructed 9 modern markets across the state; we have 5 ultramodern markets completed with one ongoing, making 6; and also we have 4 modern markets, and Potiskum ultramodern markets have 500 shops, 192 stalls, and 12 warehouses large enough to accommodate about 12 trucks each, and also they have about 3 kilometers of roads and drainages as well as an administration block and praying ground. The markets are opening up economic activities in Yobe State, and with these markets the economy of Yobe is now building up, and then with the modern markets the businesses are fully on course.
Bego said, “Yobe State Woven and Polythene Company has been an existing company for a long time, and His Excellency Governor Mai Mala Buni is retrofitting and rehabilitating it and making it modern and new.” He starts with the structure, renovating and improving the structure and equipment that are already imported; we are just waiting for the arrival. When they come, they will be installed, and work will start. We produce a lot of grains in Yobe as an agrarian state, so we don’t need to buy all the sacks, all the woven sacks, and all the polythene bags that were used for those grains and other things like that. So this company has existed for a long time but is comatose and dormant. His Excellency has decided to breathe a new spirit into it, retrofitting it, reconstructing it, rebuilding it literally, and then providing equipment. As you can see, the number of people is very few in terms of job creation and in terms of economic activities that will be spanned around this area.
The Mega Motor Park: The former motor park, due to the expansion of that place. His Excellency directed the ministry of housing to identify a site far away from the city; from that roundabout we have a bypass, and henceforth motor vehicles do not pass through Damaturu. They can stop here, and from here other vehicles can transport them to the city center. The commissioner of Housing and Rural Development, Architect Ahmed Buba, said, “This is Damaturu Mega Motor Park, with a capacity of about 500 vehicles. We have a drivers’ lodge, which is going to accommodate up to 150 drivers at a time; we have a terminal building; we have a police station outpost; and we have the clinic, restaurant, and quite a few more.”
Engr. Muhammed Abba Hassan, General Coordinator for the project, said, “This project is awarded to Samsun Nigeria Ltd by the Yobe state government. We started this project about 6 months ago. At this level, we have reached almost over 80 percent, and we expect to complete this project within the stipulated contract agreement. Inshallah, by the end of March, this project will be fully completed.” This Damaturu Mega Motor Park is one of the mega motor parks of its type in Nigeria. We have almost every facility here. We have enough accommodation for travelers and accommodation also for drivers. We have a shop complex, we have a fire service, and we have a comprehensive health clinic that can accommodate not only the passengers but also the environment of this town. We can handle it as far as concern goes; we delivered this project within the stipulated period of time.
Township Stadium in Buni Yadi: This township stadium here in Buni Yadi is transforming sport, which will transform sport in Yobe State. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sport, Alhaji Gidado Abubakar, said this project was awarded at the end of September last year to Damuli Investment Company Ltd. for the award of contract for the construction of a mini stadium in Buni Yadi. This is a post-insurgency project being awarded by the state government through the window of the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Community Development. We signed a 6-month mandate giving the contractor the handing over of the project to the ministry for onward utilization, and about 65% of the project has been achieved. The capacity of the mini stadium is about 5,000 to 6,000 pupils; we have a multipurpose fit, we have badminton, basketball, and the other games, and we have about 78 different games in this project, and it is 250 meters by 200 meters, and 75 thousand square meters.
After Boko Haram’s destructions, Governor Buni built modern markets across Yobe
U.S. and Nigeria Forge Stronger Trade Ties Through New Investment Partnership
By: Michael Mike
The United States and Nigeria have taken a significant step to deepen commercial relations with the U.S.-Nigeria Commercial and Investment Partnership (CIP), a five-year initiative aimed at boosting trade, investment, and private sector growth.
The partnership was highlighted at a ministerial meeting in Lagos co-chaired by U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for the U.S. Commercial Service Bradley McKinney and Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole. The meeting brought together government officials and private sector leaders to review proposed reforms from the CIP Working Groups on Agriculture, Digital Economy, and Infrastructure.
The Working Groups presented strategies intended to improve the business environment, ease trade barriers, and attract investment. McKinney described the proposals as practical measures that could strengthen bilateral trade and create new economic opportunities for both nations.
Oduwole emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to expanding non-oil exports and making local businesses more competitive in global markets. “We are focused on creating sustainable and inclusive opportunities for Nigerian companies to access U.S. markets and beyond,” she said, noting ongoing efforts to implement reforms that make Nigeria’s economy more predictable and investment-friendly.
Senior officials from both countries attended the session, including U.S. Mission Chargé d’Affaires Keith Heffern and Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi.
The partnership is expected to facilitate continued consultations on trade and investment, encourage two-way investment flows, and support economic growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
In 2024, bilateral trade in goods and services between Nigeria and the United States reached nearly $13 billion. U.S. foreign direct investment in Nigeria also rose to $7.9 billion, reflecting a 25 percent increase from the previous year, making the U.S. one of Nigeria’s top foreign investors.
U.S. and Nigeria Forge Stronger Trade Ties Through New Investment Partnership
Six killed, others injured, abducted in bandit attack on Tsafe community
By: Zagazola Makama
At least six persons were killed and several others injured when armed bandits attacked Kanbiri village via Kwaren Ganuwa in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara on Thursday afternoon.
Residents said the assailants stormed the community at about 2:50 p.m., shooting sporadically and causing panic among villagers.
“They shot many people. Six were confirmed dead on the spot, while others sustained gunshot injuries,” a local source said.
The attackers were also reported to have abducted an unspecified number of residents and taken them to an unknown destination.
Troops and other responders have since moved into the area to evacuate the corpses for burial and to begin efforts to locate and rescue the abducted victims.
Kanbiri and surrounding communities in Tsafe LGA have experienced repeated attacks in recent months, as bandit groups continue to target rural settlements in Zamfara.
Six killed, others injured, abducted in bandit attack on Tsafe community
After Boko Haram’s destructions, Governor Buni built modern markets across Yobe
U.S. and Nigeria Forge Stronger Trade Ties Through New Investment Partnership
Four abducted in bandit attack in Munya, Niger
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News10 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
