The Sociopolitical Dynamics, Anti-French Sentiment and Military Ascendancy in Francophone West Africa

Abstract

This study looks at the resurgence of military putsches in Francophone West Africa. It examines the impact of factionalized elites, group grievances, poor public service, and external intervention on economic decline and military resurgence in six West African Francophone countries namely Mali, Chad, Niger, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Gabon, from 2020 to 2023. The objective is to understand how these factors contribute to economic instability, political fragility, and the resurgence of military coups in the region. Using quantitative methods, secondary data from the Fragile States Index (FSI) were analyzed through multiple regression to determine the strength and direction of relationships between the independent variables and economic decline. The findings revealed that factionalized elites, group grievances, and external intervention had a significant positive impact on economic decline, while poor public service demonstrated a negative, but insignificant, effect. The results underscore the complexity of neocolonial relations and governance challenges, contributing to state fragility in West Africa. The study concludes that addressing political grievances, reducing external intervention, and improving governance structures are essential for economic recovery and stability. Key
recommendations include promoting inclusive governance, strengthening public services, reducing external exploitation, and increasing regional cooperation to mitigate political instability. These findings have significant implications for policy reforms aimed at preventing military coups and fostering sustainable development in West Africa.