The Politics of Democratic Backsliding in West Africa: Institutional Weakness, Military Intervention and the Crisis of Civilian Rule

West Africa has witnessed a marked deterioration in democratic governance, characterized by declining institutional accountability, contested elections, constitutional manipulation, weakening civilian oversight, and the resurgence of military intervention. This article examines the politics of democratic backsliding in the region, focusing on the relationship between institutional weakness, military intervention, and the crisis of civil rule. It argues that the recent resurgence of military coups should not be understood solely as a consequence of military ambition but also as an outcome of accumulated failures within civilian political institutions. Using a qualitative comparative approach based on documentary evidence, the study examines democratic recession and military interventions in selected West African states, with particular attention to Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The analysis finds that weak checks and balances, executive overreach, electoral manipulation, corruption, insecurity, socioeconomic grievances, and declining public trust have weakened the legitimacy of civilian governments and created political openings for military actors. However, military intervention does not provide a sustainable solution to democratic failure. Instead, prolonged military rule can further weaken constitutional institutions, restrict political participation, and delay democratic restoration. The study concludes that reversing democratic backsliding requires more than the restoration of electoral politics; it requires stronger democratic institutions, credible elections, accountable leadership, effective security governance, and a more consistent regional response to unconstitutional changes of government.