ECOWAS as a Provider of Peacekeeping Assistance in Africa

Author:

Irina Iutiaeva

Abstract:

This article examines the peacekeeping experience of the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS). It traces the entire evolution of the union in peacekeeping – from the first missions in Liberia and Sierra Leone to the operation in the Gambia. The advantages and disadvantages of the ECOWAS security mechanism, established in 1999, the principles of its peacekeeping activities and the experience of carrying out operations are analyzed. A comprehensive assessment of ECOWAS as a provider of peacekeeping assistance in Africa is given, taking into account the remaining problem areas and objective achievements of the organization in the conflict settlement.

Keywords:

ECOWAS, peacekeeping, armed conflicts, Africa, West Africa, UN Security Council

DOI:

10.31132/2412-5717-2022-58-1-49-59

References:

1. Abass A. The Implementation of ECOWAS’ New Protocol and Security Council Resolution 1270 in Sierra Leone: New Developments in Regional Intervention. University of Miami International and Comparative Law Review https://repository.law.miami.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1143& context=umiclr (accessed 26.10.2021)
2. Aboagye F., Bah A. Liberia at a Crossroads: A preliminary look at the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and the protection of civilians. Institute for Security Studies. 2004. https://media.africaportal.org/documents/PAPER95.pdf (accessed 26.10.2021)
3. Adeboye F. The Liberian Conflict and the ECOMOG Operation: A Review of Nigeria’s Key Contributions. Global Journal of Political Science and Administration. 2020. Vol. 8, № 3, pp.14-31. ISSN: 2054-6335.
4. Arthur P. ECOWAS and Regional Peacekeeping Integration in West Africa: Lessons for the Future. Africa Today. 2010, vol. 57, issue 2, pp. 2–24. DOI: 10.2979/africatoday.57.2.2.
5. Atuobi S. ECOWAS and Mediation in West Africa: Toward an Enhanced Capacity. Harvard Africa Policy Journal. 2010-2011, vol. 7. https://mediationsupportnetwork.net/wp-content/uploads/ 2014/03/ECOWAS-and-mediation-in-West-Africa.pdf (accessed 26.10.2021)
6. ECOWAS Mission in Guinee-Bissau. Global Security. https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ world/int/ecomib.htm (accessed 26.10.2021)
7. ECOWAS Parliament adopts 2018 community budget. Vanguard. https://www.vanguardngr. com/2017/11/ecowas-parliament-adopts-2018-community-budget/ (accessed 26.10.2021)