ECOWAS and security in West Africa

Abstract

The thesis of this essay is that ECOWAS could be a model organization for regional security in Africa. The essay analyzes Sub-regional organizations in addressing regional insecurity in Africa and uses ECOWAS as a case study. It argues that Sub-regional organizations have become an established trend without which peace and security cannot be maintained in Africa in the post-cold war era. And also projects the view that ECOWAS suits being a model organization for regional security in Africa basing on the role it has played in addressing security threats in the region. The study uses secondary data sources such as articles, journals, text books, magazines etc. to explain these realities. And the study is anchored in the theory of liberalism. It examines ECOWAS’s response to security threats in West Africa, examines ECOWAS’s contribution to African international relations, African Union, and African Sub-regional organizations, and analyzes the importance of ECOWAS and other African Sub-regional organizations in addressing security threats in Africa. It presents the challenges faced by ECOWAS and analyzes the way forward for ECOWAS. The study concludes that Sub-regional organizations are a functional necessity in addressing regional insecurity in Africa. And emphasizes the view that ECOWAS should be viewed as a model organization for regional security in Africa. To the challenges faced by ECOWAS, the study recommends a broader attitudinal change among western nations as regards giving ECOWAS foreign assistance to address specific challenges. It also recommends strengthening the ECOWAS levy, peace fund, and the proposed fund for conflict prevention. And finally advises ECOWAS to be mindful about the consequences of dependence on external actors and major powers.