Fr. Peter Konteh
By Mohamed Konneh
‘’Our region needs healing, trust, and courageous leadership rooted in service to the people rather than control over the people. Only then can West Africa move from instability toward lasting peace, development, and human dignity for future generations, said Fr. Peter Konteh, Executive Director, Caritas Freetown.
He said West Africa is passing through one of the most delicate and uncertain moments in its modern history. ‘’Across the region, we are witnessing growing political instability, democratic decline, insecurity, and social frustration. The return of military coups in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger has created what many now describe as a “coup belt” in the Sahel region, the Executive Director said.
These developments according Fr. Konteh, continue to weaken regional cooperation and undermine democratic governance that many believed West Africa had gradually achieved over the years.
He said for a long period after independence, West Africa suffered from numerous internal armed conflicts and devastating civil wars that destroyed institutions, displaced populations, and weakened economies.
Yet, the beginning of the new millennium brought renewed hope. Large-scale civil wars reduced significantly, and many countries began embracing democratic transitions, constitutional governance, and regional peacebuilding initiatives. It was seen as a new chapter of political stabilization and progress for the region.
Sadly, that progress is now under serious threat.
Today, the region faces a different and more complex form of instability. Violent extremism and jihadist insurgency continue to spread across the Sahel, threatening the security of entire nations and innocent communities.
Election-related violence, ethnic tensions, organized crime, drug trafficking, maritime piracy, and illegal exploitation of natural resources have all become major challenges.
At the same time, corruption, weak governance systems, and the inability of political leaders to respond effectively to the needs of ordinary citizens continue to fuel frustration and mistrust.
The suffering of young people is particularly alarming. Many youths across West Africa feel excluded from governance, economic opportunities, and national decision-making processes.
