Five years after the military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, there is increasing scrutiny over whether the juntas have fulfilled their promises to improve security and governance. The narrative propagated by these military regimes emphasized that only armed forces could address the security crises, which civilian leaders had failed to manage, leading to promises of decisive and total warfare against insurgents. This approach marked a shift away from diplomatic engagements and adherence to international norms regarding human rights, favoring a collaboration with non-Western partners like Russia instead.

However, reports indicate that despite the juntas' bold claims and actions, the security situation in these countries has not improved. The initial rationale for the coups was based on a dire security landscape, yet five years later, there seems to be no significant progress in stabilizing the region. The worsening conditions challenge the legitimacy of the juntas and raise questions regarding their ability to deliver on the expectations they set when taking power.

This situation presents a conundrum for the citizenry of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who must contend with increasing violence and insecurity, while the juntas fail to substantiate their effectiveness. As the military leaders continue to rely on radical strategies devoid of diplomatic nuance, the implications for long-term peace and governance remain dire, leading to a critical reassessment of their rule in the broader West African context.