Military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger face legitimacy crisis amid repression

The growing repression in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger exposes the failure of military regimes

Across Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, military juntas are tightening their grip through widespread repression, arbitrary detentions and severe restrictions on freedoms. This escalation comes as these regimes struggle with deepening crises of legitimacy, leaving human rights defenders and media outlets under severe pressure.

A crisis of legitimacy and broken promises

Analysts warn that the military governments in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) are facing mounting challenges. Alioune Tine, president of Afrikajom Center, highlights the stark contrast between the rhetoric of these regimes and their actual performance. ‘’The situation in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger reveals a stark reality: military rule has not delivered on its promises. Security concerns, initially cited as justification for seizing power, have only worsened under their watch. When power is taken by force, the fear of losing it by force becomes unavoidable.’’

Tine points out that Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, like other military leaders, had pledged a swift return to civilian rule. Yet, instead of organizing elections, the junta has doubled down on repression to cling to power. ‘’Early assurances of rapid elections and a handover to civilians have vanished. Today, the human rights situation is deteriorating rapidly, with targeted violence against communities such as the Fulani people—a deeply alarming trend,’’ he notes.

Security failures and internal unrest

The military regimes’ inability to address security threats has fueled internal instability. Recent attacks, such as the deadly assault on Mansila on June 11, which reportedly claimed over 100 lives, have further weakened morale. Reports suggest that without military convoys, access to the town is nearly impossible due to severed communications and disrupted networks.

The situation escalated further when an artillery shell struck the courtyard of Burkina Faso’s state broadcaster on June 12, injuring several people. Rumors of mutiny within the barracks and coup attempts have since spread, though Ibrahim Traoré dismissed these claims as ‘’imaginary’’ and accused ‘’enemy media’’ of spreading disinformation. He insisted that no such unrest exists and warned detractors to stop spreading falsehoods.

Human rights groups demand accountability

International and regional human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and the Senegalese Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, have condemned the escalating repression. They plan to stage peaceful protests against the suppression of press freedom and freedom of expression, as well as demand the immediate release of detained activists. Among those imprisoned is lawyer Guy Hervé Ham, who has been held since January 24.

These developments reflect a broader pattern across the Sahel, where military regimes—once hailed as saviors—have failed to deliver on their pledges. While some progress has been noted in parts of northern Mali, socioeconomic conditions continue to deteriorate across the region. Tine emphasizes the lack of legitimacy and the inability of these governments to address the suffering of their people. ‘’In Mali, even opposition figures in exile have formed a government-in-exile, highlighting the profound crisis of legitimacy gripping the nation,’’ he states.

Regional divisions and geopolitical shifts

Alioune Tine also highlights the growing rift within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), now split between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions. He warns that this division is undermining regional cooperation and hindering collective efforts to address the Sahel’s challenges. ‘’The region’s future is at risk due to these geopolitical divisions. ECOWAS must reassess its approach to prioritize the needs of its people, particularly the youth,’’ Tine argues.

He further criticizes the strategic alignment of these military regimes with countries that prioritize power over human rights, such as Russia. ‘’While the departure of French military bases may have been justified, the lack of viable alternatives has left a dangerous void. The focus must shift from geopolitical posturing to addressing the urgent needs of the people,’’ he concludes.