The 5-Minute Briefing: Democracy in West Africa

The region is slowly inching to democracy. In 2002, rebels in the Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone signed ceasefires. Democratic elections were held in tiny Togo yesterday, and the Ivory Coast and Liberia want elections in October.

What are the signs of change in West Africa?

The region is slowly inching to democracy. In 2002, rebels in the Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone signed ceasefires. Democratic elections were held in tiny Togo yesterday, and the Ivory Coast and Liberia want elections in October.

But most rebels have not surrendered their arms. Other African countries, including Nigeria and South Africa, are pressuring the leaders of these three countries to negotiate with rebels.

Why are the elections in Togo so important?

President Gnassingbe Eyadema died in February after ruling the country for 38 years. The army overrode the constitution and installed his son Faure as President, assuming the people were so cowed by years of dictatorial rule that they would not object. But violent protests in Togo and international outrage forced President Gnassingbe junior to uphold the constitution and hold an election. He is still expected to win, but Togo's army and ruling class realise they must have at least a semblance of democracy if they are to keep the support of the people.

Why is West Africa so unstable?

Every conflict in West Africa is started by ethnic groups fighting for control of resources. They are egged on by the countries' "big men", politicians who usually form a government with a military coup then exploit tribal differences to ensure they stay in power. Even the Ivory Coast, stable for 30 years, descended into chaos in 2002 after a coup, when politicians stirred hatred against the country's Muslims in the north.

Liberia's former leader Charles Taylor is disliked for destabilising neighbouring Sierra Leone and the Ivory Coast. Since he went into exile last August, rebel groups disarmed and several leaders are running for president on 11 October.

How likely is peace to hold?

Poverty, tribal loyalties and corruption are the biggest obstacles to peace in West Africa. Even Sierra Leone, rich in diamonds, has not found a way to share the bounty equally and find work for thousands of ex-fighters.