Community Of West African States Research Articles

Consolidating or Deconsolidating Security? Analyses of the Security Implications of the Exit of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali from ECOWAS

Abstract In recent years, the dramatic changes in cooperation and alliance of states and peoples, particularly the “Sahexit” has sparked significant interest and debates among scholars. Ancient African societies and cultures sought to integrate their energies and resources to survive, fight common enemies, withstand common threats, or contemporarily, resolve disputes. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), anchored on Pan-African ideals of nonalignment, unity, and indivisibility of the destiny of African peoples, expanded its initial scope for economic purposes to deal with the rising security challenges in West Africa. Yet, ECOWAS continues to struggle with insurgent activities, recurrent coup d’etats, and more recently the threat of succession from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali (“Sahexit”). Drawing on Regional Security Complex and human security perspectives, and the literature on Pan Africanism, this paper examines the security challenges of Sahexit for the subregion. It argues that Sahexit poses significant security challenges to the fragile security situation in the subregion particularly at the regional, state, and individual levels. The exit will weaken ECOWAS regional security cooperation, disrupt coordinated regional strategies, and leave major gaps in joint security operations and intelligence sharing, and complicate insecurities in the subregion. The paper concludes with recommendations to mitigate the security challenges.

General Introduction: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) within the Framework of the African Union’s Agenda 2063

General Introduction: Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) within the Framework of the African Union’s Agenda 2063

The Challenge and Prospect of a Monetary Union in West Africa: The Case of the Eco

Abstract The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has since its establishment in 1975 (via the Treaty of Lagos) aimed to advance regional integration and the development of the sub-region. Regional trade liberalization and the creation of a new West African currency (the Eco) to reduce mass poverty, among others, were two steps adopted towards the fulfillment of this goal. Guided by the Theory of Monetary Integration and the Optimal Currency Area (OCA) theory and steeped in the qualitative analytical tool of content and documentary analysis, it analyzed the forces that have shaped the implementation of the ECOWAS’ single currency project. The result is mixed: the implementation has been menaced by the lack of political will, prevalence of heterogenous blocs revealing sharp colonial attachments and influence, structural deficiencies in the single currency framework, among others, yet, there are prospects that leans on the natural resource utilization school that could potentially offset the resource deficiency burden on its members.

Fostering Regional Integration in Africa in the Wake of Military Takeovers in the Sahel: Recasting the Casablanca-Monrovia and Brazzaville Debate?

The resurgence of military coups in the Sahel region and the crisis surrounding the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has put back the question of regional integration and African unity to intense scholarly scrutiny. The Sahel has emerged as the epicentre of violent extremism in the world according to the Institute for Economic and Peace`s 2024 Global Terrorism Index. The resurgence of military coups in the region further adds to the political dynamics of the region. The intervention of ECOWAS and the AU to restore constitutional order and the counteraction of the military juntas have resulted to the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States in the Sahel which has implications for regional integration in Africa in general. This study adopts a qualitative research strategy and case study design to examine the resurgence of military coups in the Sahel. It is based on desk review, particularly data sources such as Google scholar. The findings reveal that the resurgence of military coups in the Sahel region has implications for regional integration and the objective of unity of the African Union. Military coups in the Sahel have raised the stakes and challenges for Africa unity via regional integration by complicating the role of the regional institution, ECOWAS and ultimately the African Union. It posits that revisiting the foundational discourse of African unity and integration that is the Casablanca-Monrovia and Brazzaville debates is essential to understanding the current political dynamics in the Sahel region.

Ghana’s Diplomacy Since The Formation Of The Economic Community Of West African States (1975-2020)

Ghana’s Diplomacy Since The Formation Of The Economic Community Of West African States (1975-2020)

The Relatonship between Financial Development and Economic Growth: The Case of West African Countries

This study examines the relationship between financial development and economic growth in seven countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 1970 to 2018. Vector autoregression and the Granger causality method were employed in this study to reveal the impact of financial development on investment, which is essential for long-term economic growth. In our study, investment, credit to the private sector, broad money, foreign direct investment, general government final expenditures, foreign trade, and savings are used as variables. The results of the analysis reveal that financial development indicators have a positive effect on investment. However, the degree of this effect differs from country to country. Credit to the private sector and broad money, which are indicators of financial development in some countries, have a low impact on investment, while in other countries, the impact is strong. Regarding Granger causality, four different results were found across the countries: a bidirectional causality between financial development and investment, a unidirectional causal flow from investment to financial development, a unidirectional causal flow from financial development indicators to investment, and no causality between financial development and investment.

Beyond Biometrics: The Emergence of DNA Analysis in Immigration and Border Control in ECOWAS Sub-Region

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub region has witnessed a surge in the use of DNA analysis in immigration and border security. This shift beyond biometrics raises important questions about the implications of genetic surveillance on human rights, sovereignty, and regional integration. This article examines the emergence of DNA analysis in ECOWAS border management, highlighting its applications, benefits, and challenges. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining desk research and field interviews, we investigate the legal frameworks, technological infrastructure, and stakeholder perspectives shaping DNA use in immigration control. Our findings reveal a complex landscape of innovation and concern, as DNA analysis enhances identification and verification but also raises ethical and privacy concerns. We argue that a balanced approach, considering both security needs and human rights, is essential for harnessing the potential of DNA analysis in ECOWAS border security while minimizing its risks. This research contributes to the ongoing debate on the future of border management, biometrics, and genetic surveillance in the Global South.

Towards Sustainable Energy in ECOWAS: Insights from the EU Model of Regional Cooperation for Energy Transition

p class="MsoNormal"span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:107%;font-family: "AdvOTecfccdcf_I",sans-serif;mso-bidi-font-family:AdvOTecfccdcf_I"Globally, the world is pushing for an energy transition to promote sustainability in order to address the challenges of energy security and climate change. This article examines the approach of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to sustainable energy with a view to analysing the strategies for promoting sustainable energy within the ECOWAS Treaty and its relevant instruments. The upscaling of sustainable energy within the ECOWAS region has been slow, as there are no binding commitments on Member States, weak institutional mechanisms, a paucity of funds, disparate levels of energy productivity, and varied levels of economic development ofMember States, among other reasons. It emphasizes that it is important for West Africa to take advantage of regional integration to put in place comprehensive legal instruments on sustainable energy measures. The European Union (EU), on the other hand, keeping with the objective of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), has created an enabling environment through its binding instruments, strengthening of institutional capacity, funding, and expressions of support for the promotion of sustainable energy. The article proposes ways in which the ECOWAS could be strengthened to incorporate measures drawing inspiration from the EU experience while making necessary adjustments to account for its peculiar circumstances./span o:p/o:p

Wildlife trade at the interface between deeply-rooted animal-based traditional medicine and unregulated harvesting of wild animals in West Africa

Local trade remains a data poor component of wildlife crime that must be better understood for more effective combat against the illegal wildlife trade. We assessed the distribution of wildlife markets, diversity of species traded and the extent of the trade chain through spatial analysis of wildlife sale sites and semi-structured interviews with 75 vendors in the 10 largest traditional medicine markets of Benin. GPS coordinates of wildlife markets were used to map their geographic distribution and assess their spatial patterns. We used a generalized linear model to determine the drivers underlying the spatial patterns of wildlife markets. A circular layout was designed to delineate the geographic extent of wildlife trade in terms of supplying sources. We found that wildlife was traded at 121 sale sites in Benin, highly dominated by traditional medicine markets (106 sites). The spatial analysis of markets exhibited an aggregative distribution pattern, and the type of market, the number of stalls in the markets and the municipality status influence significantly the spatial temporality of market distribution. Wildlife trade for traditional medicine affected 268, 96 and 61 bird, mammal and reptile species, respectively, and included species of both high national and global conservation concern. We also found that the national wildlife trade in Benin was supplied from 80% (12/15) West African Economic and Monetary countries, and all the Economic Community of West African States (except Guinea-Bissau) in violation of national laws, CITES, and regional commitments to combat wildlife trafficking (e.g., the West African Strategy for Combatting Wildlife Crime). Our study in Benin is a big step to revealing trade throughout in West Africa. It provides much needed information on wildlife trade structure and driving forces that could help to inform decision-making for better trade regulation and for effective wildlife law enforcement in West Africa. Other studies should do the same to help paint a more complete picture of wildlife trade in West Africa.

Threshold and Spatial Effects of Fiscal Policy on Business Cycle Synchronisation in the Economic Community of West African States

Abstract This research analyses the threshold effects of fiscal policy on business cycle synchronisation in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The main contribution is the analysis of the effects of respecting versus not respecting deficit and debt thresholds on the synchronisation of business cycles through the creation of binary variables. The study covers the period 1990–2020 and fourteen ECOWAS countries. The results show that the optimal pro-growth thresholds for the budget deficit and debt are 5.559% and 45.61% of GDP, respectively. Furthermore, spatial analysis reveals significant positive spatial spillover effects of respecting these thresholds on synchronising business cycles within ECOWAS. The current convergence criterion of −3% for the budget balance is favourable for growth and business cycle convergence. In addition, the current debt convergence criterion of 70% of GDP could be adjusted. Our results suggest the need to strengthen revenue mobilisation, harmonise taxation and improve the monitoring of fiscal standards.

The political economy of gender mainstreaming in energy access in Sierra Leone

Abstract In 2017, the Economic Community of West African States launched its Policy for Gender Mainstreaming in Energy Access with each member state tasked to create a National Action Plan (NAP). This study explores the case of Sierra Leone, to understand how stakeholders have influenced the NAP process, and what that might mean for implementation. Using the Actor-Objective-Context framework with interview data from key gender and energy actors. We find elements that make Sierra Leone’s NAP unique; such as addressing systematic barriers, explicitly promoting solar energy and heavily relying on civil society. The study finds that a policy focus on gender reflects both a push from international donor organisations and the national efforts of civil society. Sierra Leone’s NAP reflects the tension between the high priority of gender politics at the national and international level and more immediate interest from the Ministry of Energy and government actors on economic development. It affirms the uneasy co-existence of the liberal and liberating view of women in international development with some evidence that the liberal view prevails. Still, despite the government focus on economic development, poor engagement with the private sector and cultural barriers are likely to hamper the inclusion of women into the energy industry.

STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW: LEVERAGING AFRICAN UNION SUB-REGIONAL BODIES TO ADDRESS MILITARY COUPS IN AFRICA

Military coups have emerged as a significant challenge to democratic stability and governance in Africa, undermining the rule of law and reversing decades of progress in political reforms. This paper explores how the African Union (AU) can strategically engage its sub-regional bodies, such as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to strengthen the rule of law and curtail the resurgence of military coups across the continent. These sub-regional organizations possess unique insights into their respective geopolitical landscapes and are well-positioned to implement preventive and corrective measures. The paper identifies key strategies, including capacity-building initiatives to strengthen judicial and electoral institutions, fostering inclusive governance to address grievances, and enhancing the rapid deployment of conflict mediation teams. It emphasizes the importance of a unified approach, where the AU coordinates efforts across sub-regional bodies to enforce legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance. Furthermore, the study examines case studies of successful and failed interventions by these bodies to derive lessons for effective implementation. However, challenges such as resource limitations, political interference, and inconsistent enforcement mechanisms impede these efforts. The paper argues that overcoming these barriers requires political will, increased funding, and stronger partnerships with global organizations. By leveraging the unique strengths of its sub-regional bodies, the AU can promote the rule of law, deter unconstitutional power seizures, and contribute to sustainable democratic governance across Africa.

Regional Power Dynamics and Security Approaches: A Comparative Study of SADC and ECOWAS

This study examines regional power dynamics and security approaches within two prominent African regional organisations: ECOWAS– Economic Community of West African States and the SADC– Southern African Development Community. Since Africa remains insecure due to internal conflicts, and terrorism, regional organisations have a vital role in stability. ECOWAS and SADC are particularly marked by their specific security mechanisms; however, they are located in different political, social and economic environments and thus perform differently in terms of management and resolution of conflict. Using the theoretical framework of power theory and the adoption of case study research design and content analysis, the research critically explores regional power dynamics and security approaches within SADC and ECOWAS. The findings reveal that while ECOWAS’s interventionist policies enable swift action, they sometimes face issues of sustainability and regional buy-in. In contrast, SADC’s consensus-driven approach promotes stability but can lead to prolonged conflict resolution processes. This study contributes to the broader discourse on regional security in Africa, highlighting the need for adaptable strategies that address both immediate threats and long-term stability in diverse geopolitical environments. The study concludes that while both SADC and ECOWAS employ different strategies in Western and Southern Africa, yet the approaches are similar in many ways. Consequently, the two organisations though having the common strategic object of creating stability at regional level have significantly different operating models defined by their respective historical, political and socio-economic circumstances. These differences define their security actions, the coordination of the states which are members of the union, and their performance in the handling of conflicts.

Incidence, prevalence and risk factors for comorbid mental illness among people with hypertension and type 2 diabetes in West Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionMental illness remains a significant global health concern that affects diverse populations, including individuals living with hypertension and/or type 2 diabetes, predominantly in lower-income to middle-income countries. The association between...

Herders without borders: transhumance securitisation and the challenges of national security in Ghana and Nigeria

As an enduring agricultural practice in Africa, transboundary herding has remained a major source of conflict among agro-land users, especially between the Fulani nomadic pastoralists and peasant farmers/host communities. Although extant studies broadly agree that this herding practice is prone to violence, the actual factors which predispose this agricultural practice to violence vary across studies, ranging from climate change and environmental security, population growth and urbanisation, manipulation of cultural and ethnic identities, insecurity in the Lake Chad area, to the free movement of persons and goods protocols. However, these studies have glossed over how the securitisation of transhumance contributes to the conflict between nomadic herders and peasant farmers in West Africa—which is the focus of the present study. Data for this study were sourced from documentary evidence, including scholarly literature, media reports, and official documents from relevant protocols of the Economic Community of West African States. Relying on the basic assumptions of securitisation theory, the study found that transhumance securitisation as a default state response strategy against agro-land use conflicts between nomadic herders and peasant farmers has become counterproductive in West Africa.

Examining current regional intensity of trade in Africa: How strong are the trade linkages and implications for intra-Africa trade in the African Continental Free Trade Area

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a continent-wide free trade area which is expected to pave way for a continental customs union. This article assessed the current state and extent of intra-Africa trade in 2001-2018. The results give insights into the foundation which the current regional economic communities in Africa have put in place regarding intra- and inter-trade linkages. This is a foundation which the AfCFTA would utilise to achieve trade integration in a continent-wide economic integration arrangement that seeks to improve intra-Africa trade. Five regional groups were considered, namely Arab Maghreb Union, East African Community, the Economic Community of West African States, Economic Community of Central Africa States, and the Southern African Development Community. Intra-regional trade intensity index results show that trade within individual regional groups, and within Africa, is oriented towards respective member countries, although there is no evidence of increased inward orientation over time. Inter-regional trade intensity index results show that most regional groups trade intensively with each other, albeit at different levels. With increased market access in the AfCFTA through lower trade resistances between regional groups, inter-regional trade is expected to increase as per the volume of trade criteria in the natural trading partners hypothesis.

Государственная миграционная политика стран ЭКОВАС: основные направления и тенденции

The article examines basic approaches to state migration policy of the Economic Community of West African States’ members. Interest in this issue is due to the need of modern political science to find new and improve existing means, methods and technologies for regulating migration flows of the population. Models for managing population migration in West Africa are complex and multi-level state political and legal mechanisms, the study of the functioning of which allows us to assess the effectiveness of these models. Based on this, the article solves the problem of identifying the key directions in the formation of state migration policy in the ECOWAS countries and their justification. The factors determining directions and trends of migration policy and main forms of its implementation in modern conditions are considered. The emphasis is on revealing political-institutional and ideological components of the state migration policy of the ECOWAS countries. The role of subregional and regional institutions in the process of state regulation of population migration is determined.

Impact of Trade Integration on Poverty Reduction in ECOWAS

This paper examines the impact of trade integration on poverty reduction in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). To investigate the impact of trade integration on poverty reduction, data for all fifteen member countries of ECOWAS on the number of poor people, bilateral trade, trade openness, exchange rate, foreign direct investment, interest rate, inflation rate, and import tariff were collected from the World Bank, WTO, IMF and WDIs from 2010 to 2019. After various tests, heteroscedasticity was found to be present. Therefore, to address this problem, the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) method was used to examine the aforementioned impacts. The results showed that trade openness, bilateral trade, exchange rate, and import duties significantly impact poverty. The results indicated that trade integration is significant in reducing poverty within ECOWAS. The study recommends measures to enhance the effectiveness of trade integration as it has an important impact on reducing poverty in the region. First, ECOWAS should implement policies to support smaller countries in improving their productive capacities to compete effectively within the region. Secondly, harmonization of exchange rates by creating a common currency would facilitate smoother trade flows and contribute to poverty reduction. Member countries should prioritize trade with other ECOWAS nations, implement policies to ensure that foreign investments benefit the local economies, and focus on exporting finished goods rather than raw materials to create employment opportunities and support poverty reduction efforts.

The role of Nigeria in the regional integration process in west Africa (1975 - 2023): Case study of Ecowas

This paper examines Nigeria's role in the regional integration process in West Africa through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 1975 to 2023. Nigeria's significant economic, political, and military influence in the region has positioned it as a key player in ECOWAS. This study explores Nigeria's contributions, challenges, and the impact of its policies on regional integration. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical and contemporary data, this paper provides insights into Nigeria's leadership and its implications for regional stability and development. The findings from the study revealed Nigeria's pivotal role in the regional integration process in West Africa through ECOWAS. Nigeria's economic strength, political leadership, and security contributions have been instrumental in shaping the trajectory of ECOWAS. The country's efforts in promoting economic integration, mediating conflicts, and supporting peacekeeping missions have significantly contributed to regional stability and development. However, the analysis also highlights several challenges that have impacted Nigeria's role. Economic vulnerabilities, domestic political instability, and regional rivalries have occasionally hindered Nigeria's ability to lead effectively. Addressing these challenges is crucial for Nigeria to sustain its leadership role and for ECOWAS to achieve its integration objectives.

A proposal for a common currency based on resources of the Alliance of Sahel States. Theoretical and practical issues

On 6 July 2024 in Niamey, the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger signed the constitutive act of the Confederation of Sahel States, at the same time confirming the departure of these three countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The new Confederation of the Sahel States has decided, among other things, to set up an investment bank and a stabilisation fund. It is therefore plausible that the confederation will soon adopt a common currency. This issue is of utmost importance for many countries so it is worthwhile to see how the proposed new currency will be guaranteed by the natural resources of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The aim of this article is to examine the theoretical foundations and practical aspects underlying the creation of a common currency based on natural resources within the AES.