Ecowas and Its Conflict Management Enhancement Strategy in West African Sub-Region: Prospect and Retrospect

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue II, February 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186

Ecowas and Its Conflict Management Enhancement Strategy in West African Sub-Region: Prospect and Retrospect

Dr. Mrs. Louisa Amaechi N, Dr. Chike Ezenwa, & Dr. Christian Sunday Agama
Directorate of General Studies, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a sub-regional organization in West Africa set apart to improve the economic condition and the general well-being of the member state. Recently political instability, inter and intra-state crisis, electoral violence and political conflicts became a big challenge to the region and no state or sub-region can achieve any meaningful economic development without a peaceful environment. The paper discussed ECOWAS, its aim, objectives’ and its conflict management enhancement strategies. It also highlighted some conflicts’ which it has managed in the sub-region, its prospects and retrospects in the region. Secondary source of information was used and the paper recommends speedy intervention before any crisis reaches a climax of war and destruction of lives and property in any state or inter-states.

Key words: ECOWAS, Conflict Management, Prospects and Retrospect.

Introduction

Conflict management and resolution becomes an important issue in the region because of the magnitude of conflicts taking place around the world today. In any situation, where there are two or more divergent views or groups, conflict is bound to arise. The magnitude and dimension such conflict usually take depends on the value placed on the contentious issues by the parties involved, and methods adopted to resolve such issues. Most conflicts especially in Africa have ethnic, political, economic and religious undertone. This trend has left its mark all over the places colonized by the West. Even the intractable Middle East crisis is traceable to the activities of the colonial masters in the region. Though the organization was established for economic promotion but no meaningful economic growth can take place in a state of confusion and violence or war zone. It became imperative to ensure peace and manage crises when it erupts. Conflict is denned as a struggle over values and claims of scarce resources, status and- power in which the aims of the opponents are neutralized, injured-or eliminated by rivals Ekiyo (2008) Wolf and Deliel (2009).
Donohwe and Kolt defined conflict as a situation in which differences are expressed by interdependent people in the process of achieving their goals and needs, (Nigerian Institution of International Affairs, (2009, Vol. 30? No. 1-2).
ECOWAS
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) a Sub-regional organization was established in 1975 with the major aims of improving the economy of the members of the community. This sub-regional organization had some aims and objectives “such as achieving free movement of the” member states within the states, establishment of technical and specialized commission and free movement of trade within the states by member states without much obstacles. Also it has to do with improvement of natural resources, building of high ways, access the state, agriculture and others needs, Onwuka, (2001).
Since after independence among most of the West African countries, there has been increase in inter-states and intra-state crisis, wars and disturbances within the sub-region either as a result of political instability, coups and economic stagnation. Also, there was increase in arm proliferation, small arm flow and narcotics trade which could erode the stability in the sub-region, Fawele (2007). Despite progress in consolidating democracy over some decades in West Africa, series of military coups, wars and political crisis has erupted much in the region and has raised the question of democratic position or structural peace in the region. Furthermore, the region is still waiting for the democratic dividend despite the return to civilian rule and periodic elections, the social and economic well-being of the vast majority in the sub-regionalism is in dire. When ECOWAS was established, it comprises of fifteen member states and had about population of about 280 million of people only to address economic challenge confronting the sub-region, Spelling (2011).

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