Peace and human rights in West Africa: security challenges, governance and prospects for lasting stability

Author: Dr. Kossi Marius BASSAH-DOTSE

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Abstract

West Africa is experiencing a period of unprecedented geopolitical turmoil since the independences. The convergence of jihadist terrorism, recurring military coups, institutional fragility, and structural inequalities is creating a security environment that simultaneously undermines the rule of law, fundamental freedoms, and development prospects. This article analyzes the dialectical relationship between security and human rights in this region, demonstrating that security strategies disconnected from democratic governance and the protection of fundamental rights produce not stability, but renewed violence. Combining a review of geopolitical and legal literature with comparative fieldwork covering Burkina Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Senegal, we argue that only integrated human security—combining physical protection, social justice, and democratic participation—can form the basis for lasting stability. Institutional, security, and social recommendations are formulated for regional and international actors.

Keywords: West Africa, Peace, Human rights, Governance, Terrorism, ECOWAS, Human security, Democracy, Sahel, Rule of law