The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has released a report detailing the Sahel region's complex challenges, including the growing influence of military-led governments. The report, unveiled in Abuja on Monday, examines the region's governance, security, and development trends. According to CDD-West Africa Director Dauda Garuba, the Sahel faces significant socio-economic and political consequences due to the rise in military takeovers.
The report provides a comparative assessment of governance, security, and development trends in the Sahel, focusing on the influence of military administrations on resource allocation, civil liberties, and cross-border mobility. Lassane Ouedraogo, presenter of the research findings, argues that the deep disunity created by terrorism is the most pressing challenge facing West Africa. He notes that countries are responding differently to the crisis, with some adopting a pragmatic approach and others treating security, political, and development concerns as inseparable.
Former Director of CDD-West Africa Jibrin Ibrahim called for a reflection on why citizens in the Sahel favour military regimes. He noted that despite democratic setbacks, military regimes are gaining popular legitimacy and prompting broader reflection on the effectiveness of democracy in West Africa.
