A Gradual Emergence of Complex Interdependence in Africa

Abstract

There are several regional organizations relevant to the West African subregion. First, the African Union (AU), formerly called the Organization of African Unity (OAU), is a continent-wide body with a broad-based membership of states, including those in West Africa. Preserving peace and security and maintaining constitutional order have emerged as prominent issues at the continent-wide level, and thus the AU has increased its role in these areas. Second, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is the primary organization of West Africa. All West African states are members of the organization except Mauritania, which withdrew in 2000. Like the AU, ECOWAS has also played a proactive role in maintaining peace and security and has become increasingly involved in maintaining constitutional order as an extension of its original mandate. In addition to these two primary organizations, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)—the sister of ECOWAS in Central Africa—plays a role similar to ECOWAS in its region. In particular, Sao Tome and Principe is a member of ECCAS and often falls under the scope of that regional organization. Further, the Gulf of Guinea Commission (GGC) merges West and Central Africa in an organization created to coordinate security and energy policy among regional oil-exporting countries; its membership includes the coastal ECCAS countries and Nigeria, a member of ECOWAS but not of ECCAS.