The Impact of Colonial Legacy on Contemporary Politics in Africa: A Case Study of West African Countries

The colonial legacy still impacts the formation and functioning of political systems in West African countries. The study addresses institutional, ethnopolitical, cultural, and economic aspects of the region’s postcolonial development. The analysis demonstrates that artificial borders created during the colonial era, ethnic fragmentation, institutional weakness, and persistent economic dependence on former colonial powers remain key factors shaping both domestic and foreign policy dynamics. Special attention is given to the dual nature of political culture, which combines elements of traditional power structures with Western governance models, as well as to the phenomenon of “decolonization of consciousness” as a cultural and ideological process aimed at rethinking identity and development trajectories. Drawing on historical and contemporary evidence, the study explores mechanisms for reproducing neocolonial relations, the role of the military in politics, challenges to national integration, and the influence of colonial policy on migration processes. The conclusion emphasizes the need for comprehensive institutional and cultural reforms aimed at strengthening sovereignty and building an inclusive political system that takes into account historical experience, ethnic diversity, and the challenges of globalization.