Implementation of the ECOWAS collective security framework: The role of multilateral cooperation in the Liberian crisis. Issue 3 (3rd July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dahiru Aminu, Ahmad; Raja, Sivachandralingam Sundara
• Is Part Of: African security review. Volume 30:Issue 3(2021)
• Page Start: 319
• Page End: 337
• Publication Date: 2021-07-03
• Subjects: ECOWAS -- political integration in ECOWAS -- ECOWAS Executive Secretariat -- regional security framework -- ECOWAS non-aggression protocol -- ECOWAS Mutual aid in Defense Protocol -- ECOMOG; Human security -- Africa -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.32096
• DOI: 10.1080/10246029.2021.1944887
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1024-6029

Abstract

ABSTRACT: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was founded exclusively to focus on economic integration. However, in 1976, the Nigerian government proposed the adoption of a non-aggression protocol to regulate issues of regional collective security. The proposal was accepted in principle and the secretariat was tasked to formulate policy prescriptions for adoption of the decision organs. Using historical techniques, this article peruses existing literature, official reports and minutes of meetings of the ECOWAS authority and Council of Ministers to highlight the successes of the executive secretariat and reflect on the political, structural and security challenges that it encountered in facilitating the implementation of inter-organisational cooperation in the Liberian crisis.