Why do some West African countries adopt the Unitary" system of government while others do not?

Answer Details

Why Some West African Countries Adopt the Unitary System While Others Do Not

A unitary system is one in which all governmental powers are concentrated in a single central government, while a federal system shares powers between a central government and component (regional/state) units. The choice between them depends on the peculiar conditions of each country.

Reasons some West African countries adopt the unitary system:

1. Small size of the country: Countries with small land area, such as The Gambia, Togo or Sierra Leone, can be conveniently governed from one centre.
2. Homogeneous population: Where the people share a common language, culture and religion, there is less need to divide power among diverse groups, so a single government suffices.
3. Desire for national unity: A strong central government is seen as a way of promoting unity and preventing division and secession.
4. Economic considerations: A unitary system is cheaper to run because it avoids the duplication of governmental structures found in a federation.
5. Ease and speed of administration: Concentrating power at the centre allows quick decision-making and uniform policies throughout the country.
6. Small and manageable population: A smaller population is easier to govern from a single centre.

Reasons others do not (they adopt federalism):

1. Large size: Large countries such as Nigeria are difficult to govern from one centre and need regional units.
2. Heterogeneous/plural society: The presence of many ethnic groups, languages, religions and cultures makes it necessary to share power and give each group a sense of belonging.
3. Fear of domination: Minority groups prefer federalism to protect themselves from domination by a single central power.
4. Historical background: Some states were formed by joining together formerly separate units that wished to retain some autonomy.
5. Uneven development: Wide differences in the level of development among regions favour a system that allows regional self-management.

(Any relevant points are acceptable.)