The Evolution of ECOWAS: How the Economic Organization Transitioned Into Peace and Security

Sammanfattning: Ecowas’ original purpose was to integrate West African states for economic prosperity, however, the politically unstable region’s economy could not develop unless peace and security could be guaranteed. By adopting various security protocols to the original treaty in an attempt to stop interstate conflicts, Ecowas began its transition into a security organization. The United Nations prohibits sub-regional organizations from using force to solve conflicts without their authorization. Moreover, as the UN, Organization of African Unity and the United States, neglected the human rights violations occurring in Liberia, Ecowas intervened in the civil war. The humanitarian intervention was controversial in several regards; the UN did not authorize it, Francophone states within Ecowas opposed it, and the intentions of the hegemonic Nigeria were questioned. The intervention saw success and failure, however, it was later commended by the United Nations and inspired the idea of collective security and the responsibility to protect. As a result of the atrocities in Liberia, Ecowas revised their treaty and forced member states to cede political freedom and sovereignty in order for Ecowas to become a supranational organization. Since 1993, Ecowas has developed and implemented protocols relating to peace and security, democracy, and human rights as rule of law. The aims and objectives of this paper is to analyze the evolution of Ecowas and the environment in which it had to transition into a security mechanism for West Africa. Despite shortcomings, the evolution of Ecowas is significant as it has allowed West Africans to improve conflict resolution protocols, and further develop democracy and legitimate governance in the region.