Democracy threatened by terrorism in the Sahel states

The construction of democracy in Africa is fraught with many pitfalls, most of which have become classic (electoral fraud, non-exclusive elections, confiscation and patrimonialization of power). The growing threat of terrorism in the Sahel states (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger and Chad) is helping to undermine already fragile processes. This is borne out by the resurgenceof coups d’état since 2020, which have been welcomed by populations convinced that only men in fatigues can safeguard the nation, whose very survival is threatened by the gangrene of terrorism. The army is holding the institutions of democracy hostage, and its seizure of power is no guarantee of a rapid return to constitutional order.