The Rise of the “Coup Belt”: Why Benin’s Attempt Signals Worry for Democracy in West Africa

 

The Rise of the “Coup Belt”: Why Benin’s Attempt Signals Deep Worry for Democracy in West Africa — And How Poor Governance Is Destroying Democratic Trust

Over the last decade, West Africa has seen a disturbing reversal of democratic advances that once positioned the region as a model for African political advancement. Countries that were once considered stable democracies are today facing increased risks of military intervention, unlawful power grabs, and authoritarian backsliding. The advent of what observers now refer to as the "Coup Belt" which stretches from Guinea to Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and increasingly dangerous coastline states poses one of the most significant dangers to democracy in modern Africa. Within this unstable backdrop, indications of a coup or destabilization attempt in Benin, long regarded as one of West Africa's most durable democracies, indicate a highly concerning trend for the region.

Over the last decade, West Africa has seen a disturbing reversal of democratic advances that once positioned the region as a model for African political advancement. Countries that were once considered stable democracies are today facing increased risks of military intervention, unlawful power grabs, and authoritarian backsliding. The advent of what observers now refer to as the "Coup Belt" which stretches from Guinea to Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and increasingly dangerous coastline states poses one of the most significant dangers to democracy in modern Africa. Within this unstable backdrop, indications of a coup or destabilization attempt in Benin, long regarded as one of West Africa's most durable democracies, indicate a highly concerning trend for the region.

What makes the Coup Belt so hazardous is not only the quantity of coups, but the contagion impact they cause. Each successful coup reduces the psychological and political hurdles to the next one. Soldiers in adjacent countries grow to consider military intervention as a feasible path to power, whilst unhappy populations may begin to tolerate or even welcome such takeovers due to disillusionment with civilian leadership.

Benin: A Former Democratic Beacon.

For decades, Benin stood alone from many of its neighbours. Since its democratic transition in the early 1990s, the country has received recognition for its peaceful elections, respect for civil liberties, and strong constitutionalism. It became a model for democratic achievement throughout Francophone Africa, as well as a symbol of the potential of long-term civilian governance.

However, recent political events have eroded this reputation. Constitutional changes, dwindling civic space, opposition crackdowns, and rising public dissatisfaction have all undermined trust in democratic institutions. In this context, any attempted coup, successful or not, must be treated seriously, not as an isolated occurrence, but as a symptom of deeper democratic decline.

The fact that Benin is now referenced in the same sentence as countries in the Coup Belt is concerning. It implies that even states that were once thought to be immune are no longer safe from the factors destabilizing the area.

Why Benin's Attempt is Important Beyond Its Borders

An attempted coup in Benin causes shockwaves far beyond its borders. First, it questions the notion that coastal West African states are fundamentally more stable than their Sahelian counterparts. If Benin is threatened, then Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and Togo may also be at risk.

Second, Benin's predicament demonstrates the regional scope of democratic erosion. Political instability, insecurity, and governance failures do not recognize borders. Armed groups, illicit weaponry, radical ideas, and disillusioned military officers traverse borders with ease. The spread of coups is thus not coincidental; it is systemic.

Third, Benin's experience demonstrates the limitations of international and regional deterrence. Despite repeated condemnations and sanctions from organizations such as ECOWAS and the African Union, coups continue to occur. This raises difficult issues about whether existing institutions are adequate to safeguard democracy in an era of rising populism, instability, and anti-Western attitude.

Root Causes: Why Coups Are Becoming Popular Again

The recurrence of coups in West Africa cannot be attributed to military ambition alone. Several interrelated variables are propelling this alarming trend.

Poor governance and corruption are significant issues. Many governments have failed to provide basic services, address inequality, or limit elite power. When democratic institutions appear to favour only a small political elite, public trust in civilian governance deteriorates.

Insecurity, notably from extremist violence and organized crime, has also had a significant impact. In countries where people feel unprotected, the military frequently serves as the last line of defence. Even in relatively stable governments like Benin, Sahel-related concerns have heightened tensions and strained security systems.

Another significant element is democratic backsliding. When elected leaders distort constitutions, stifle opposition, or impair judicial independence, democracy's moral authority suffers. Ironically, such acts foster the environment that coups exploit.

Finally, external factors like as geopolitical rivalries and disinformation have worsened the situation. Some coup leaders have effectively presented military takeovers as acts of national liberation, capitalizing on popular hostility toward foreign interference and failing elites.

Human Cost of the Coup Belt

While coups are frequently addressed in terms of power and politics, the real cost is carried by common folks. Military rule rarely leads to long-term stability or prosperity. Instead, it leads to lengthy transitions, human rights violations, economic isolation, and weakened institutions.

Journalists are suppressed in countries ruled by the military, civil society is restricted, and dissent is criminalized. Economic sanctions imposed in response to coups frequently exacerbate living conditions, resulting in increased unemployment and poverty. Young people, who already face limited chances, are given even fewer options, fuelling migration and social discontent.

If Benin falls further into turmoil, the implications would be rapid and terrible.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Democracy in West Africa

Benin's attempted destabilization should serve as a wake-up call. Democracy in West Africa is not falling overnight, but it is gradually deteriorating. The Coup Belt is spreading not only physically, but also conceptually, as trust in democratic administration dwindles.

To change this tendency, regional leaders must go beyond rhetoric. Democracy must be defended by legitimate governance changes, true political inclusion, and respect for human rights. Militaries must be professionalized and strictly subjugated to civilian authorities, and security concerns must be addressed without jeopardizing constitutional order.

ECOWAS and the African Union should likewise reconsider their approach. Sanctions alone are insufficient. Preventive diplomacy, early warning mechanisms, and more interaction with civil society are critical to preventing coups.

Conclusion

The development of the Coup Belt constitutes one of the most serious challenges to West African democracy since the Cold War ended. Benin's attempted destabilization is especially troubling since it demonstrates that no country is immune, including countries with strong democratic traditions.

If the region does not address the core causes of the crisis, poor governance, instability, exclusion, and democratic erosion, the Coup Belt will continue to grow. The decision before West Africa today is stark: restore the social contract between governments and citizens, or face a future in which democracy is the exception rather than the rule. Benin's experience should not be overlooked. It is a warning and, possibly, one of the final chances to act before West Africa's democratic roots are irreversibly undermined.