THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF LIBERIA

THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF LIBERIA

ABSTRACT

The Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) was put in place in 1975 with the aim of facilitating the integration of the West African sub region. ECOWAS was primarily focused on economic integration and was desired to play limited political roles due to fear of domination by weaker members. Before the coming into being of the Community, The organization of African Unity, (OAU) was responsible for the resolution of conflicts within the continent. However, recent experiences within the continent tend to suggest that ECOWAS as a sub regional body has been most effective in the resolution of conflicts within the West African sub region. ECOWAS through the establishment of a peace monitoring group ECOMOG has been able to resolve the ravaging civil war in Liberia, leading to the establishment of a Democratically elected Government. The sub regional body through its activities has further participated in similar operations in Sierra Leone and brought about peace. The thesis has thus realized that the politics of regional economic integration is incomplete and unrealizable as long as political parameters are excluded. Put the other way, politics and economics are inseparable. It is not possible for ECOWAS to realize any economic goal without the necessary political intercourse. The involvement of ECOMOG in Liberia was therefore a political decision necessary for the return of peace to the war turn country. The decision led to the seize fire and restoration of peace.

THE ROLE OF ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS) IN CONFLICT RESOLUTION: A CASE STUDY OF LIBERIA