State and Society in the Sahel: Addressing Citizens’ Mistrust to Build Legitimacy and Enhance Governance in Niger and the Sahel Region (PDF))
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This book explores the trust deficit between citizens and the state in Niger and across the Sahel. Drawing on extensive field research and firsthand experience, it highlights how citizens often feel disconnected from formal institutions such as the judiciary, security forces, and elected governments. Surveys show that while confidence in these institutions is limited, citizens express strong trust in traditional and religious leaders, who play vital roles in maintaining social peace. The study finds that challenges such as corruption, insecurity, and unmet socio-economic needs have strained state–citizen relations. Yet it also reveals cautious optimism: many citizens see opportunities in recent political shifts and continue to hope for responsive governance. Importantly, the research identifies pathways to renewal — from transparent leadership and inclusive reforms to participatory governance and stronger community-based security. The book bridges theory and practice, offering both academics and policymakers a roadmap for restoring trust and democratic resilience in fragile states. It argues that legitimacy in the Sahel depends on a renewed social contract — where citizens engage constructively and the state demonstrates fairness, responsiveness, and accountability.
Louis Pasteur Musongera is a seasoned expert in peacebuilding, governance, and security sector reform, with more than two decades of leadership experience across Africa. He has worked extensively on disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR), institutional reform, and democratic consolidation, and holds a doctorate in Peace and Conflict Resolution alongside advanced degrees in international security and governance. In recent years, Musongera directed programs in Niger and across the Sahel, engaging government institutions, civil society, and international partners to strengthen accountability, transparency, and citizen–state relations. He has published widely on governance, anti-corruption, and counterterrorism. Combining academic rigor with practical expertise, Musongera brings a distinctive voice to debates on legitimacy, democratic resilience and inclusive state-building in fragile contexts in Africa.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DEDICATION i
ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii
ABSTRACT v
ACRONYMS & ABBREVIATIONS vii
LIST OF FIGURES ix
Chapter I: Contextual Approach of Mistrust
I.1 Introduction 1
I.2 Background to the study 1
I.3 Problem Statement 2
I.4 The purpose of the research 3
I.5 Research objectives 3
I.6 Research question 4
I.7 Hypothesis 4
I.8 Significance of the Study 5
I.9 Definition of key concept 5
I.10 Organization of the Thesis 8
Chapter II: Understanding Trust Between the People and the State
II.1 About the concept of trust 9
II.2 Trust in the state 11
II.3 Factors of trust in the state 12
II.4 Rationale for citizens to judge the state’s actions 17
II.5 Drivers of people’s trust in the state 18
II.6 Effects of decrease in trus 19
Chapter III: Methodology
III.1 Introduction 23
III.2 Research question 23
III.3 Research design 23
III.4 Population of the research 24
III.5 Sample design 24
III.6 Sample size 25
III.7 Sources of data 26
III.8 Data collection method and tools 26
III.9 Measurement of variables 27
III.10 Validity and reliability of the research instrument 28
III.11 Data analysis method 28
III.12 Ethical consideration 29
Chapter IV: Presentation of Findings
IV.1 Introduction 31
IV.2 Demographic analysis 31
IV.2.1 Survey in the eight provinces of Niger 31
IV.2.2 Experts’ participation to the survey 36
IV.3 Presentation of findings 38
IV.3.1 Niger’s people’s perception 38
IV.3.1.i The extent of the crisis of trust between citizens and the state in the Sahel and particularly in Niger 38
IV.3.1.ii The motives for the public’s crisis of confidence in the state in the Sahel 41
IV.3.1.iii Towards state legitimacy and governance enhancement 44
IV.3.2 Expert contribution to the research 47
IV.3.2.i Motivation for the people’s distrust in the state 47
IV.3.2.ii Factors contributing to the loss of legitimacy of democratically- elected state authorities in the Sahel 60
IV.3.2.iii Suggestions of the way out for the state to regain trust and legitimacy from citizens 54
Chapter V: Discussion of Findings
V.1 Introduction 61
V.2 Research objective 1: The extent and nature of the lack of trust between citizens and the state in the Sahel 61
V.3 Research objective 2: The motives for the public’s crisis of confidence in the state and vice versa 63
V.4 Research objective 3: The ways out of the crisis of trust to build state legitimacy and improve governance 68
Chapter VI:Conclusion, Recommendations, Area of Further Research
VI.1 Introduction 71
VI.2 General conclusion 71
VI.3 Recommendations 73
VI.3.1 Recommendations for Strengthening Citizen- State Trust and Governance 73
VI.3.2 Recommendations on state priority actions to enhance Legitimacy and Good Governance 74
VI.3.3 Recommendations to the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Media 77
VI.3.4 Recommendation to the International Community 78
VI.4 Proposed area of further research 78
BIBLIOGRAPHY 79