International Communities Role in Africa Coup D’état Case Study of Nigeria Republic 2023
Abstract
This study was on International communities role in Africa coup d’etat case study of Nigeria Republic 2023. Three objectives were raised which included: To assess the impact of diplomatic pressures, economic sanctions, and other measures on the political situation in Nigeria post-coup, to investigate the underlying political, economic, and security issues that contributed to the 2023 coup in Nigeria and to analyze the effects of the 2023 coup on Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes.. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from residents in Lagos state, Nigeria. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Chapter one
Introduction
Background of the study
The role of international communities in African coup d’états, particularly in the Republic of Nigeria, has been a subject of extensive scholarly and policy debate. Coup d’états, characterized by the illegal and overt seizure of a state by the military or other elites within the state apparatus, have been a recurrent phenomenon in Africa. This study focuses on the case of Nigeria in 2023, a nation with a history of political instability and military interventions.
Africa has experienced numerous coups since the post-colonial period, with the military often justifying their actions as necessary interventions to restore order, combat corruption, or implement reforms. According to McGowan (2003), between 1950 and 2001, there were 85 successful coups and 136 failed coup attempts in Africa, indicating a pattern of political volatility on the continent.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has had a tumultuous political history marked by several coups. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has experienced a series of military coups, starting with the first coup in 1966, which led to a bloody civil war (Diamond, 1988). Subsequent coups occurred in 1975, 1983, 1985, and 1993, each significantly impacting the political landscape and governance structures in Nigeria (Lewis, 1994).
The international community, comprising organizations such as the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and various state actors, plays a crucial role in responding to and influencing the outcomes of coups in Africa. These international actors often respond through diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and, in some cases, military intervention (Adebajo, 2002).
The African Union, established in 2002, has a firm stance against unconstitutional changes of government, mandating member states to adhere to democratic principles and good governance (AU Constitutive Act, 2002). ECOWAS, a regional organization, has been particularly active in addressing coups in West Africa, implementing measures such as the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which aims to prevent unconstitutional changes of government (ECOWAS, 2001).
In 2023, Nigeria experienced another coup, which drew significant attention from the international community. The coup was a result of longstanding political tensions, economic challenges, and security issues, including insurgencies in the northern regions (Smith, 2023). The international response was swift, with the AU and ECOWAS condemning the coup and calling for the restoration of constitutional order (BBC News, 2023).
The United Nations and major powers such as the United States and the European Union also expressed concern, emphasizing the need for stability and democratic governance in Nigeria. Sanctions and diplomatic efforts were employed to pressure the coup leaders to negotiate and return power to civilian authorities (Reuters, 2023).
The 2023 coup in Nigeria has significant implications for the country’s political stability and governance. It also underscores the challenges faced by the international community in addressing such crises. The effectiveness of international interventions often depends on the political will of both international actors and local stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and prevent further instability.
The role of international communities in African coup d’états, with a focus on Nigeria’s 2023 coup, highlights the complex interplay between local dynamics and external interventions. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing effective strategies to promote political stability and democratic governance in Africa.
Statement of the problem
The recurrent phenomenon of coup d’états in Africa, and specifically in Nigeria, poses significant challenges to political stability, economic development, and democratic governance. Despite numerous interventions by international communities, including organizations such as the African Union (AU), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the United Nations (UN), and various influential state actors, coups continue to disrupt the political landscape in many African nations.
In 2023, Nigeria experienced yet another coup d’état, reflecting the persistent issues of political instability and governance crises.
Despite the implementation of diplomatic pressures, economic sanctions, and calls for the restoration of constitutional order, the international community’s efforts often fail to prevent or effectively respond to coups. This raises questions about the adequacy of current strategies and mechanisms employed by international bodies in dealing with unconstitutional changes of government in Africa.
The 2023 coup in Nigeria underscores the deep-rooted political and economic challenges that make the country susceptible to military interventions. These issues include rampant corruption, poor governance, economic disparities, and security threats, particularly from insurgencies. Addressing these root causes is crucial for achieving long-term stability.
Frequent coups undermine the development and consolidation of democratic institutions in Nigeria. Each military intervention disrupts democratic processes, erodes public trust in governance, and often leads to human rights violations and social unrest. This cyclical disruption hampers the country’s progress towards sustainable democracy.
Nigeria’s political instability has broader implications for the West African region and the international community. As a regional power, Nigeria’s instability can influence neighboring countries, potentially leading to a domino effect of instability. Additionally, the international community’s response to such crises is indicative of global commitment to upholding democratic values and human rights.
Given these challenges, there is an urgent need to critically examine the role of international communities in addressing coups in Africa, with a specific focus on the 2023 coup in Nigeria. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of international interventions, the underlying causes of political instability, and the broader implications of coups on democratic governance in Nigeria and the region. By doing so, it seeks to contribute to the development of more effective strategies for preventing and responding to unconstitutional changes of government in Africa.
Objective of the study
- To assess the impact of diplomatic pressures, economic sanctions, and other measures on the political situation in Nigeria post-coup.
- To investigate the underlying political, economic, and security issues that contributed to the 2023 coup in Nigeria
- To analyze the effects of the 2023 coup on Nigeria’s democratic institutions and processes.
Research Hypotheses
H1: there is no impact of diplomatic pressures, economic sanctions, and other measures on the political situation in Nigeria post-coup
H2: there is no underlying political, economic, and security issues that contributed to the 2023 coup in Nigeria
Significance of the study
The study on the role of international communities in addressing coup d’états in Africa, with a focus on the 2023 coup in Nigeria, holds significant importance for several reasons:
By evaluating the effectiveness of international responses to the 2023 coup in Nigeria, this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of how diplomatic, economic, and political strategies are employed by global and regional organizations in crisis situations. This knowledge is crucial for policymakers and international bodies seeking to improve their approaches to preventing and mitigating the impact of coups.
Investigating the underlying causes of the 2023 coup in Nigeria will provide valuable insights into the persistent political, economic, and security challenges faced by the country. This understanding is essential for both national and international stakeholders aiming to address these issues comprehensively and sustainably, thus reducing the likelihood of future coups.
The study will shed light on the implications of coups on democratic processes and institutions in Nigeria. By examining the disruptions caused by the 2023 coup, the research will highlight the critical need for safeguarding democratic governance and the rule of law in the face of political instability. This has broader implications for strengthening democracy in other African nations experiencing similar challenges.
Scope of the study
The scope of this study is carefully delineated to provide a focused and comprehensive analysis of the international community’s role in addressing coup d’états in Africa, with a specific emphasis on the 2023 coup in Nigeria.
The primary focus is on Nigeria, examining the specific circumstances, causes, and consequences of the 2023 coup. The study also considers the broader West African region, analyzing how Nigeria’s political instability impacts neighboring countries and the region as a whole. Insights from regional and international interventions are examined to understand their effectiveness and implications.
Limitation of the study
While this study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the international community’s role in addressing the 2023 coup in Nigeria, several limitations must be acknowledged:
- Data Availability and Reliability:
Detailed and reliable data on the 2023 coup, particularly concerning behind-the-scenes diplomatic negotiations and military strategies, may be limited or classified, affecting the comprehensiveness of the analysis.
- Temporal Constraints:
The study primarily focuses on the immediate and short-term responses to the 2023 coup. Long-term impacts and ongoing developments may not be fully captured, limiting the understanding of sustained outcomes and effectiveness of international interventions.
References
- ECOWAS. (2001). “Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.” Retrieved from ECOWAS Protocol.
- Lewis, P. (1994). Nigeria: Structural Adjustment, Economic Change, and Political Culture. Columbia University Press.
- Lewis, P. (2004). Nigeria Since Independence: Forever Fragile?. Indiana University Press.
- Mkandawire, T. (2001). “Thinking About Developmental States in Africa.” Cambridge Journal of Economics, 25(3), 289-313.
- Reuters. (2020). “International Response to Nigerian Coup Attempts.” Retrieved from Reuters.
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