State Fragility and Military Coups in West Africa: Implications for Democratic Governance and Regional Security

This paper examines the relationship between state fragility and the resurgence of military coups in West Africa, focusing on the implications for democratic governance and regional security. It considers why military interventions persist despite the existence of democratic institutions and regional mechanisms intended to protect constitutional government. The objectives are to examine the relationship between state fragility and military coups, analyse their consequences for democratic governance, assess ECOWAS responses and identify preventive governance reforms. The study adopts a qualitative conceptual and documentary research design using secondary sources. Fifteen selected articles published between 2020 and 2026 are thematically analysed alongside relevant scholarly and institutional publications. State fragility theory and social constructivist theory guide the interpretation of institutional weakness, governance failures, legitimacy crises, insecurity and regional responses. The analysis identifies interacting weaknesses in state capacity, institutional accountability, political legitimacy, security provision and socioeconomic conditions as factors that can make military intervention possible and politically attractive. Although public dissatisfaction with civilian governments may generate initial support for coups, military intervention does not necessarily resolve the underlying governance problems and can interrupt democratic consolidation. ECOWAS responses are constrained by inconsistent implementation, limited enforcement capacity and an emphasis on measures taken after coups occur. The paper recommends stronger civilian institutions, accountable and inclusive governance, effective security-sector oversight and more consistent regional mechanisms for detecting democratic deterioration and preventing unconstitutional changes of government.