Regional Threat to Security in West and Central Africa

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume IV, Issue VII, July 2020 | ISSN 2454–6186

Regional Threat to Security in West and Central Africa

Ugochukwu Samuel Osisioma
Department of History and Strategic Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike-Ikwo Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract: – This study addressed regionalism and the search for solutions to common security challenges in West and Central Africa. It specifically used ECOWAS and ECCAS regional bodies as case studies. Insecurity occasioned by Trans border crime, drug trafficking and terrorism among others are dominant issues in Africa. Both regional bodies have put in place numerous measures to check and control the concomitants crisis in the two regions. Inspite of the effort of regional bodies, insecurity still persist in West and Central Africa, as cases of Fulani and banditry are common issues ravaging Northern Nigeria, while kidnappings were rampant in the south. In central Africa, cases of insecurity were also rampant. This study compares strategies adopted by the two regional bodies to reducing the burden in the regions. The methodology stems from informational gathering and secondary materials. The study provides possible recommendations on ways in which conflict can be reduce in Africa.

Keywords: -Trade: Security: Peace: Terrorism: Regionalism: Boundary: Africa

I. INTRODUCTION

West and Central Africa are two important regions within the African continent. Africa has six regions namely; West, East, North, South, central, and the Diaspora.(African Union, 2012) Researchers have identified common security threat in west and central Africa to include but not limited to; illegal cross border activities, especially terrorism, money laundering , violent extremism as well as trafficking in Arms , humans and drugs. These threats hinder peace, security as well as stability and jeopardize the development effort of Economic Development of West Africa states (Ecowas) and Economic community of central African states (ECCAS). While several security challenges in Africa have their roots in complex post colonial issues such as political and social economic crisis, the west and central African regions have also been mired in armed conflicts, crisis of governance, proliferation of small arms, fragility of security sector, cross border movement of weapon, drugs and armed groups, mass movement of refugees, underdevelopment of infrastructure, widespread poverty, and weak state institutions.. most security challenges affecting the regions are transnational in nature; therefore, require transnational solutions that emphasize regional cooperation, interdependence and sustainable regional effort.

Read More