West Africa is full of fighting and has been for thousands of years.  The transition to democracy (and stability) is made more difficult by the arbitrary borders drawn by Europeans.  For example, Ghana has 71 languages and three major cultural divisions.  It should probably be at least 3 countries (including parts of neighboring Ivory Coast and Togo).  The square borders do not match where the people live.  For example, the Adele people live on the border between Ghana and Togo.  They enjoy half the political representation they deserve in both countries.