The Rise of Autocracy in the Sahel of Africa: Insights from Resource Curse Theory

Abstract The countries in the Sahel, aside from being located same geopolitical region, also share similar socioeconomic and socio-political challenges. This includes political instability, insecurity, poor governance, climate change democratic erosion – among others. corrosion of gains recorded since spread democracy 1990s rise autocratic regimes has become prevalent last decade. subversion electoral process, limited freedom military takeovers are an indication autocracy Africa (generally) Sahel (specifically). paper which is anchored on resource curse theory argues that rich natural resources when not properly managed breed corruption increase chances conflict likelihood takeover. More so, faced with weak institutions, autocrats take advantage abundant to patronage networks at expense development growth. found illiberal Africa; suggesting a wave autocracy. evident spate highly defective democracies region; one-party dominance; re-emergence coups; circumvention term limits. It therefore concluded common phenomenon Sahel. given impetus by institutions makes it difficult for rulers utilize wealth human capital development. To this end, adopts qualitative approach relies secondary data sourced peer-reviewed journal articles, government reports, briefs internet sources.