Resurgence of Authoritarianism in West Africa: Analysing the Effectiveness and Challenges of Ecowas Democratic Intervention Mechanism

Abstract

The study examines the renewed surge of authoritarianism in West Africa, focusing on the recent political trajectories of Mali and Burkina Faso. Against the backdrop of successive military coups and democratic reversals across the region, the research investigates the drivers of this authoritarian shift, its implications for regional stability, and the effectiveness of ECOWAS mechanisms in addressing unconstitutional changes of government. A qualitative research design was adopted, drawing on semi-structured interviews with thirteen key informants including ECOWAS officials, public policy analysts, political scientists, and journalists. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo to ensure systematic coding and interpretation. The findings indicate that persistent governance failures, entrenched insecurity, widespread public disillusionment with democratic institutions, and weak regional safeguards have collectively created fertile ground for military takeovers. The study also reveals a growing pattern of popular support for authoritarian regimes, often justified as corrective responses to ineffective civilian leadership. Moreover, the analysis highlights significant limitations within ECOWAS, including its reactive posture, inconsistent sanctions regime, and limited enforcement capacity, which undermine its credibility and deterrent effectiveness. Overall, the study underscores the need for strengthened early warning systems, firmer enforcement of democratic norms, enhanced regional cohesion, and renewed efforts to rebuild public trust to reinforce democratic resilience in West Africa.