Abstract:
This study explores the continuing impact of colonial border-making and historical Institutional legacies on contemporary insecurity in the Sahel. Despite significant studies on regional insecurity, less emphasis has been devoted to how colonial institutional legacies have organized governance deficiencies and hindered the effectiveness of African Union (AU) actions. Addressing this gap, the paper investigates how colonial administration influenced state capability, institutional frameworks, and regional security dynamics, and evaluates Nigeria’s strategic role in mediating these effects. Employing a historical and exploratory qualitative approach, data were obtained from peer-reviewed literature indexed in Google Scholar and Scopus, archival records from AU repositories, AU Peace and Security Council reports, policy documents, books, theses, and other reputable sources. Thematic analysis guided by Historical institutionalism theory was utilized to interpret findings. Results indicate that artificial colonial borders and historical institutional legacies produced fragmented governance that persists in limiting state capacity, that AU institutional structures are constrained by enduring historical norms, and that Nigeria’s leadership exhibits both strategic influence and structural limitations in shaping regional security outcomes. The study suggests strengthening institutional systems, enhancing regional cooperation, and resolving structural legacies. Findings contribute to History, International relations, Political science and policy studies and emphasize the need for additional research on localized governance systems, community resilience, and operational efficiency of regional security frameworks in the Sahel.
Keywords: African Union, Colonial Border-Making, Diplomatic Strategies, Historical Institutionalism, Regional Leadership
DOI: 10.36349/sokotojh.2026.v14i01.016
author/Abdulateef Femi Usman & Muazu Alkali Bello
journal/Sokoto JH | Vol. 14, Issue 1 | Dec. 2026
