ECOWAS Regional Security Architecture for Counterterrorism and Counter Insurgency in West Africa: A Discussion of Case Studies and Challenges

Abstract

The study examines the security architecture for counterinsurgency and counter-terrorism of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). It argues that the security architecture of the organisation when it was formed, did not envisage the change in the nature of warfare from preponderantly interstate to intrastate.  As a result, when new threats to peace in the sub-region emerged, the security architecture was either too old to grapple them or not existing at all. However, the findings of the study reveal that despite its shortcomings, ECOWAS was able to intervene and, to a very large extent, manage the conflicts in the sub-region without much external interference. It further reveals that it was the change in the nature of the conflict that forced the organisation to review its security architecture. With reference to some examples, the study shows that the organisation has not totally overcome some of its challenges; it is now better equipped to handle the security challenges in the region.  But there is the need to constantly review the security architecture in line with emerging security challenges.  The study concludes that, though ECOWAS is yet to overcome the security threats bedevilling the sub-region, the security architecture put in place is now better than how it was when the organisation was formed.

Keywords: ECOWAS, Security architecture, Security Threats, ECOMOG