Contemporary Civil-Military Relations in the Sahel

Abstract

The West African Papers explore African socioeconomic , political and security dynamics from a regional and multidisciplinary perspective. They seek to stimulate discussion and gather information to better anticipate the changes that will shape future policies. The series is designed for a wide audience of specialists, development practitioners, decision makers and the informed public. Papers are available in English and/or French, and summaries are available in both languages. Initiated by the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) to highlight and promote West African issues, the work presented is prepared by its Secretariat, Members and partners, other OECD departments, related international organisations, associated experts and researchers.

Implications of Governance, Natural Resources, and Security Threats on Economic Development: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa

“…The impact of such on democratic governance throughout the region cannot be over-emphasized. This is because addressing the challenges of underdevelopment and insecurity in the Sub-Saharan region has been accompanied with the trends of autocratic and authoritarian rules in the Niger [33] with this feature becoming increasingly entrenched in Chad [33]. The impact of increased policing and security on the economic systems cannot be ignored as well, as it would amount to increased costs and potentially undermine the region's promises on development, serving as a motivation for actors to engage in the political economy of conflict.…”

“…The tourism industry of the Sub-Saharan region that was once bubbling is now struggling as a result of political instability, facing a near collapse as a result of the ongoing security challenges. The challenges faced by the governments of this region are huge-more significant than what they have faced in past decades [33]. Although the government seem to show capacity with respect to confronting these challenges, it is also important to highlight the obvious risk of taking these issues for granted.…”

“…In essence, there exists a negative nexus between security challenges and development in the Sub-Saharan region [33]. The security issues of the region are drawing back development through infrastructural damages and added costs of running government as well as securing these economies from further conflicts.…”