The Role of ECOWAS in Mediating Democratic Crises: Lessons from Mali, Guinea and Niger
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51699/cejsr.v45i3.663Keywords:
ECOWAS, Democratic Crises, Mali, Guinea, NigerAbstract
This article rigorously analyses the involvement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in addressing democratic challenges in Mali, Guinea, and Niger. Recently, the three nations have seen unconstitutional governmental transitions, prompting urgent concerns about regional stability, governance, and the efficacy of ECOWAS' intervention strategies. This paper does a comparative examination of three incidents, examining the political backdrop of the coups, the type and rapidity of ECOWAS' involvement, and the effectiveness of ECOWAS' mediation efforts. It underscores significant problems, including as limited enforcement capabilities, conflicting interests among member states, and increasing public disenchantment with democratic institutions. Notwithstanding these limitations, the paper delineates relevant insights from ECOWAS' diplomatic strategies, sanctions frameworks, and negotiating methodologies. The report asserts that, while ECOWAS is a vital entity in fostering constitutional order, its efficacy depends on reforming its conflict-resolution strategies, improving its unity, and better aligning with the aspirations of West African residents. It advocates for enhancing ECOWAS's capacity to avert and address imminent democratic crises in the region.
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