Security Analyst Adib Saani has warned that the growing manipulation of national constitutions, rising youth unemployment, and persistent bad governance are the major factors driving the surge in coup d’états across West Africa and the wider Sub-Saharan region.
His comment follows a declaration by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, who announced a regional state of emergency at the 55th Session of the Mediation and Security Council meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mr. Saani urged governments in the sub-region to take decisive steps to address these deep-rooted challenges to safeguard their countries from further instability.
According to him, the lack of job opportunities and frustration among the youth continue to make them vulnerable to manipulation and unrest.
“There are thousands of young people roaming the streets with no jobs. When people lose hope, they become susceptible to manipulation and unrest,” he said.
He further observed that efforts by some leaders to alter constitutions for personal or political advantage have created fertile grounds for military takeovers.
“When you examine the countries where coups have occurred, a pattern emerges. In many cases, leaders try to change the constitution to suit their interests, and this fuels resentment and eventually leads to coups,” Mr. Saani explained.
Commenting on the ECOWAS emergency declaration, he said it underscores the need for stronger collaboration and vigilance among member states.
“The ECOWAS declaration means member states must be prepared to support one another and work collectively to prevent further coups,” he added.
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