The Dark Allure of Military Adventurism in West Africa

First Published on August 20, 2023

In every country where its political leaders are the richest; that country is a failed state or on its way to becoming one.

These variables probably correlate even better than using the measures of democracy or authoritarianism. That is why China and India stand out as economic successes despite problems with their democratic structuring.

The premise for this is simple enough. Politicians or their military equivalents determine the boundaries for wealth creation and business success in any country through both intentional and unintended actions. If they are making the wealth themselves then it is most likely at the expense of the rest of the citizenry. It is in everyway a zero sum game because of the role of self interest in taking politico-economic decisions.

This is the core issue at the heart of mis-governance in the West Africa sub region. Civilian political leaders and military outfits that claim to topple them, quickly become the most important economic agents in their countries and thereby continue to perpetuate the pillaging of their countries resources.

Every political or military goon seeking office points citizens away from this fact to ridiculous assertions such as foreign interference, ethnic sentimentality, ‘it is my turn’ syndrome and the ubiquitous ‘mismanagement of the economy’ excuses.

None of them commits to a life of public service that means they don’t over pay themselves; they don’t award contracts to themselves and cronies; they do not maintain business interests that are in conflict with their service; and they do not engage in clanism, nepotism and friendly deals.

As long as we continue to have leaders who put their wealth and comfort above the development of the people; we will continue to change governments. There will be coups and counter coups; and there may even be war in the sub-region.

Nothing will change.

Things will only get worse and whoever can wield ethnic, religious or military power will take over the ruins of our failed countries and continue to run them underground.