By Marcus A. Bangura | Op-Ed & Commentary
In countries like Sierra Leone and across the Mano River Union, and West Africa, particularly Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire, we are witnessing a dangerous trend, empowered by a gradual logical dismantling of democracy under the guise of legality. This is the coup you don’t see coming. It is not a coup by military men storming state house, state broadcaster, parliament, radio or TV stations with tanks, guns and bullets in the streets, as experienced in 1992 and 1997 in Sierra Leone, but it’s a coup of the elite class, quietly cloaked in manipulated elections, constitutional amendments, executive orders, court rulings, and restrictive laws. This slow unravelling is what scholars call democratic backsliding, a gradual, internal erosion of democratic norms and institutions. It is, in effect, an invisible coup. A key tactic of the invisible coup, is the politicization of independent institutions. Electoral commissions, anti-corruption agencies, and even courts are quietly brought under executive influence. Once neutral arbiters of fairness and justice, these bodies are turned into tools for consolidating power. Their decisions become predictable, favouring incumbents, shielding elites, and discrediting opposition voices. Democracy in West Africa, once seen as a beacon of post-conflict recovery and political renewal, is facing liquidation, not through military force, but through the systematic weakening of democratic institutions from within.
Unlike the military juntas of the past, modern-day autocrats rise to power through elections. Once in office, they consolidate control by weakening checks and balances, capturing oversight institutions, and silencing dissent. All of this happens while maintaining a democratic façade, a functioning parliament, periodic elections, and a judiciary that looks independent on the surface.
In the past, coups were loud and visible. Soldiers would seize power, suspend constitutions, and rule with brute force. Today, the erosion of democracy is more subtle. Leaders rise to power through elections, then gradually undermine the very institutions designed to hold them accountable. They change laws, weaken oversight, silence dissent, and centralize power, all while maintaining the appearance of constitutional legitimacy.
Unlike the military juntas of the past, modern-day autocrats rise to power through elections. Once in office, they consolidate control by weakening checks and balances, capturing oversight institutions, and silencing dissent. All of this happens while maintaining a democratic façade, a functioning parliament, periodic elections, and a judiciary that looks independent on the surface.
Sierra Leone: A Cautionary Tale
Sierra Leone offers a vivid example of this phenomenon. After decades of brutal civil war, the country emerged in the early 2000s with a renewed commitment to democratic governance. Free and fair elections were held, and hopes were high that the country would become a model of democratic consolidation in West Africa. Yet, over the last decade, cracks have appeared. Although elections continue, their credibility has come into question. The independence of the judiciary, the integrity of electoral commissions, and the freedom of the press have all been steadily eroded. Political opposition faces intimidation, and civil society struggles to hold leaders accountable amid shrinking political space. What was once a vibrant democracy risks slipping into a managed democracy, or worse, an autocratic regime masquerading as democratic. For example, amendments to electoral laws and constitutions have sometimes been made in ways that favour incumbents, limit term limits, or weaken the autonomy of electoral oversight bodies. Such legalistic manoeuvres undermine the fundamental principle that power should remain accountable to the people.
This “silent coup”, the systematic dismantling of democracy from within erodes public trust. When institutions become tools for entrenching power rather than serving citizens, disillusionment grows. Voter apathy increases, political tensions rise, and the risk of instability looms large. Sierra Leone, despite its progress, is walking a precarious path where democracy’s survival is uncertain.
The Mano River Union: Regional Reflections
Sierra Leone’s experience is not unique. Across the Mano River Union, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire also face challenges to democratic governance, often rooted in similar patterns. Liberia, after emerging from a devastating civil war, experienced peaceful transfers of power through elections. Yet, recent political developments reveal worrying signs of democratic backsliding.
Leaders in these countries have employed legal and constitutional mechanisms to extend their time in office or curtail political competition. Opposition parties face harassment, media freedoms are constrained, and electoral processes are increasingly viewed as flawed or manipulated. Côte d’Ivoire, with its history of conflict and political crises, struggles with contested elections and ethnic divisions that undermine democratic consolidation.
In all three countries, the veneer of democracy remains, but the substance is fading. The institutions meant to guarantee checks and balances are weakened or co-opted. Civil liberties and political rights are curtailed, sometimes in the name of national security or stability. This regional pattern reveals a disturbing trend, democracy is being hollowed out by its very stewards.
Why This Matters: The Cost of Invisible Coups
The consequences of this invisible coup are profound. Democracies that fail to protect institutional integrity risk sliding into authoritarianism, conflict, or chronic instability. For citizens, this means a loss of voice, diminished rights, and the breakdown of trust between the state and society.
For Sierra Leone and its neighbours, the stakes are high. The progress made since the civil wars is fragile. Economic development, social cohesion, and peace depend on accountable governance. When democracy is dismantled quietly, it deprives citizens of the means to demand good governance and hold leaders to account.
Moreover, this trend threatens regional stability. The Mano River Union countries share deep social, economic, and political linkages. Democratic backsliding in one country can reverberate across borders, fuelling tensions, refugee flows, and insecurity. The cycle of conflict and mistrust that once engulfed the region could reignite if democratic governance fails.
The Way Forward: Strengthening Democratic Resilience
The silent dismantling of democracy demands urgent action from multiple stakeholders. Political leaders must recommit to democratic principles, respecting term limits, enabling free political competition, and safeguarding institutional independence. They must recognize that power is temporary and that accountable governance is essential for lasting peace and prosperity.
Civil society and the media play a critical role in exposing abuses, informing the public, and advocating for reform. Their protection and empowerment are vital. Regional bodies like the Mano River Union and ECOWAS must enforce democratic norms and hold member states accountable for violations.
International partners can support democratic resilience through targeted assistance, election monitoring, and diplomatic pressure. Yet, ultimately, the responsibility rests with the people of Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Côte d’Ivoire. Democracy thrives only when citizens are engaged, vigilant, and courageous in defending their rights.
Conclusion
The coup you don’t see coming is the quiet erosion of democracy by those entrusted to protect it. In Sierra Leone and the Mano River Union, this invisible coup threatens to reverse hard-won gains and undermine the region’s future. But democracy is not a fragile gift; it is a living process that requires constant nurturing and defence. To preserve democracy, Sierra Leone and its neighbours must confront these challenges head-on, reinforcing institutions, protecting civil liberties, and embracing political pluralism. Only then can the promise of democracy be fulfilled, and the cycle of conflict and authoritarianism be broken for good
