Problems of Multi-Lateral Military Intervention in African Conflicts: The Case of Ecowas in Liberia 1990-1997

Abstract

One of the central challenges of Africa today is the endemic and protracted political conflicts. Since the eve of the 21st century, Africa has been challenged by a variety of upheavals of differing magnitudes. These eruptions have noticeably, deepened Africa’s misery and underdevelopment as they inflict human suffering through death, destruction of human livelihoods, constant displacement and insecurity. The imperative to halt these internecine killings and carnage had always attracted multi-lateral military interventions by the different regions of the continent. Moved by the scale of bloodbath and carnage in Liberia which resulted from the intra-state conflict that engulfed the country from December 24, 1989, the Economic Community of West African States decided to multi-laterally intervene. A military out-fit, ECOMOG, was created and deployed to the war-torn Liberia. Though the ECOWAS initiative in Liberia was applauded in so many circles, but the intervention was not without obvious problems and difficulties. The proper examination of these problems, engages the aim of this paper.