Tinatin Sikmashvili

Master of International Relations

Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Abstract

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional political and economic union, faces unprecedented challenges following a series of military coups in West Africa. These coups, notably in Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, have led to a complex geopolitical crisis involving increased Russian influence and the destabilization of the region’s political landscape. This paper examines the historical context of ECOWAS, the impact of the recent pro-Russian coups on regional stability, and ECOWAS’s responses, including sanctions and diplomatic efforts. It also analyzes the broader implications for democracy, economic development, and international relations in West Africa. Through this exploration, the paper seeks to understand the effectiveness of ECOWAS’s strategies and the potential pathways for restoring stability and democratic governance in the region.

Keywords

ECOWAS, West Africa, military coups, pro-Russian influence, regional stability, democracy, economic development, international relations, sanctions, geopolitical crisis.

Understanding ECOWAS: An Overview of Its Formation, Objectives, and Structure

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional organization established to foster economic integration and political cooperation among West African countries. Since its founding in 1975, ECOWAS has played a pivotal role in promoting regional stability, economic growth, and political solidarity. This chapter provides an overview of the history, objectives, and organizational structure of ECOWAS, highlighting its evolution and significance as a regional bloc in Africa.

ECOWAS was founded on May 28, 1975, with the signing of the Treaty of Lagos by fifteen West African countries. The founding members included Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and The Gambia. The treaty aimed to promote economic integration and cooperation among the member states, recognizing that a unified economic strategy was crucial for the region’s development and stability.

The creation of ECOWAS was driven by the recognition that collective self-sufficiency could be achieved through regional cooperation. The founders envisioned a single, large trade bloc that would enable member states to pool resources, improve trade relations, and enhance their collective bargaining power on the international stage. In 1993, the Treaty of Lagos was revised and signed in Cotonou, Benin, to address emerging challenges and further strengthen the union’s framework.

ECOWAS’s primary objectives are to promote economic integration, raise living standards, and enhance political cooperation among its member states. The organization aims to create a full economic and trading union by facilitating the free movement of goods, capital, and people within the region. Key objectives include:

Economic Integration: Establishing a customs union, a common market, and an eventual economic and monetary union to ensure economic stability and growth.

Political Stability: Promoting democratic governance, peace, and security in the region through conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy.

Social Development: Improving living standards by promoting social and cultural cooperation, education, and public health initiatives.

Human Rights and Justice: Upholding the principles of human rights, equity, inter-dependence, and social justice among member states.

ECOWAS operates on fundamental principles such as non-aggression, solidarity, and cooperation. The organization’s commitment to these principles is reflected in its various protocols and action plans, such as the ECOWAS Free Movement of Persons Protocol and the Ecotour Action Plan 2019–2029, which focus on regional integration and development.

ECOWAS is structured to facilitate decision-making, implementation, and coordination of its various activities. The principal institutions within ECOWAS include:

The Authority of Heads of State and Government: The highest decision-making body, responsible for setting the strategic direction and policies of the organization.

The Council of Ministers: Comprising ministers from each member state, this body implements policies and oversees the organization’s budget and programs.

The Community Parliament: A consultative body that represents the people of West Africa, providing advice on issues related to regional integration and cooperation.

The ECOWAS Commission: The executive arm responsible for implementing decisions, managing day-to-day operations, and coordinating activities across member states.

The Community Court of Justice: This judicial body ensures the interpretation and application of the ECOWAS Treaty and resolves disputes among member states.

ECOWAS also has specialized agencies and committees that focus on specific areas such as agriculture, infrastructure, and trade, facilitating collaboration and development across various sectors.

ECOWAS as a Peacekeeping Force

Beyond its economic and political objectives, ECOWAS has played a critical role as a peacekeeping force in West Africa. The organization established the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in 1990, a military intervention force designed to address political instability and unrest in member countries. ECOMOG has been deployed in several conflicts, including the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone, showcasing ECOWAS’s commitment to regional peace and security.

The organization’s ability to respond to conflicts and promote stability has been pivotal in its efforts to maintain peace and prevent the spread of violence across borders. This peacekeeping mandate underscores ECOWAS’s broader role in ensuring political stability and fostering an environment conducive to economic growth and development.

Russia’s Involvement in ECOWAS Countries and Its Influence on Recent Coups

In recent years, Russia has increased its presence and influence in West Africa, particularly in ECOWAS member states. This chapter explores the nature and extent of Russia’s involvement in the region, focusing on its geopolitical interests, the mechanisms through which it exercises influence, and the impact of this involvement on recent military coups in West African countries. By examining the factors contributing to Russia’s growing presence and the subsequent destabilization in some ECOWAS countries, we aim to understand the broader implications for regional security and governance.

Russia’s engagement in West Africa is driven by several strategic interests, including:

Expanding Influence: Russia seeks to expand its geopolitical influence in Africa as part of its broader strategy to counter Western dominance and increase its presence in global affairs. By forging alliances with African nations, Russia aims to strengthen its position on the international stage.

Access to Resources: West Africa is rich in natural resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. Russia’s interest in these resources aligns with its broader economic strategy to secure access to critical raw materials and energy supplies.

Military and Security Partnerships: Russia has been actively building military and security partnerships with several African countries, offering military equipment, training, and advisory services. These partnerships serve both economic and strategic purposes, as they provide Russia with access to African markets and strengthen its military ties in the region.

Russia employs various mechanisms to exert influence in West Africa, including:

Russia has signed military cooperation agreements with several West African countries, providing arms, military training, and support. This cooperation is often framed as a means of enhancing the security capabilities of these countries, but it also serves to increase Russia’s influence over their military and political institutions.

Russia has been investing in key sectors such as mining, energy, and infrastructure in West Africa. These investments not only provide economic benefits to the host countries but also create dependencies that can be leveraged for political influence.

Russia has offered diplomatic backing to certain governments and military juntas, often positioning itself as an alternative to Western powers. This support can manifest in various forms, including political endorsements, aid, and media narratives that align with the interests of its allies in the region.

Use of Private Military Companies (PMCs): The Wagner Group, a Russian private military company, has been particularly active in West Africa. It provides security services and military support to regimes facing internal challenges, often in exchange for concessions in resource-rich areas. The presence of such PMCs further extends Russia’s reach and influence in the region.

Russia’s growing involvement in West Africa has coincided with a series of military coups in ECOWAS member states, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Several factors link Russian influence to these coups:

In countries like Mali and Burkina Faso, Russian involvement has included support for military juntas that have seized power. These governments have sought Russian backing as a counterbalance to pressure from ECOWAS and Western nations for a return to democratic governance.

Russian influence often capitalizes on and amplifies existing anti-Western sentiments in the region. By portraying Western intervention as neocolonial or self-serving, Russia positions itself as a more sympathetic and supportive ally to governments facing internal and external criticism.

Insecurity and instability in West Africa, fueled by jihadist insurgencies and internal conflicts, have provided an opening for Russia to offer military assistance. This assistance, often perceived as less conditional than that provided by Western powers, has made Russian partnerships attractive to some regimes.

The increasing Russian involvement in West Africa has significant implications for ECOWAS and the region’s stability:

Challenges to ECOWAS’s Authority: Russian support for military juntas undermines ECOWAS’s efforts to promote democratic governance and stability. The organization’s sanctions and diplomatic interventions are often countered by Russian backing, complicating ECOWAS’s ability to enforce its protocols and maintain regional cohesion.

The presence of Russian PMCs (The Wagner Group) and military support can exacerbate existing conflicts and contribute to the militarization of political disputes. This dynamic risks prolonging conflicts and creating cycles of instability that hinder economic development and governance reform.

The growing influence of Russia in West Africa contributes to a broader geopolitical contest between Russia and Western powers, particularly the United States and France. This contest can lead to increased tension and division within the region, complicating efforts to address shared challenges such as security, development, and climate change.

The Future of ECOWAS: Challenges and Opportunities

As the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) navigates a rapidly changing political and economic landscape, it faces a range of challenges and opportunities that will shape its future trajectory. This chapter explores the potential future of ECOWAS by examining the internal and external factors influencing its evolution, the challenges it must overcome, and the opportunities it can leverage to strengthen regional integration and stability.

Political instability, exacerbated by military coups and governance issues, remains one of the most significant challenges for ECOWAS. Frequent changes in government disrupt the implementation of regional policies and undermine the democratic processes the organization seeks to promote. Challenges include:

Military Coups and Authoritarian Regimes: The recent spate of military coups in member states like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger underscores the fragility of democratic institutions in the region. These events challenge ECOWAS’s ability to enforce democratic norms and maintain political stability.

Weak Governance Structures: Many member states struggle with weak governance structures, corruption, and a lack of effective institutions. These issues hinder economic development and exacerbate political instability, making it difficult for ECOWAS to achieve its objectives.

While ECOWAS aims to foster economic integration, significant economic disparities and structural challenges persist across the region. Member states exhibit varying levels of economic development, with some economies heavily reliant on agriculture and others on natural resources. These disparities complicate efforts to create a unified economic and trading bloc. Despite progress, intra-regional trade remains limited due to non-tariff barriers, inadequate infrastructure, and logistical challenges. Improving connectivity and reducing trade barriers are crucial for enhancing economic integration.

High levels of youth unemployment and poverty pose significant social and economic challenges. Addressing these issues is essential for sustainable development and social stability in the region.

The proliferation of terrorism and violent extremism in West Africa poses a significant threat to regional stability and development. Groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) continue to operate in the region, undermining security and destabilizing affected areas. West Africa faces challenges from transnational criminal activities, including human trafficking, drug smuggling, and arms trade. These activities exacerbate insecurity and hinder development efforts.

External influences, such as Russia’s growing presence and Western interventions, contribute to geopolitical tensions in West Africa.

The competition between global powers for influence in West Africa can lead to divisions within ECOWAS and complicate regional cooperation efforts. Reliance on external actors for security and economic support can undermine the sovereignty and independence of member states, affecting ECOWAS’s ability to pursue its regional agenda.

Conclusion

By reducing trade barriers and improving infrastructure, ECOWAS can facilitate greater economic integration and create a more robust regional market. Initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) offer opportunities for expanding trade and investment.

ECOWAS can leverage its collective resources to promote sustainable development initiatives, focusing on areas such as renewable energy, agriculture, and education. This approach can help address economic disparities and improve living standards. ECOWAS can play a pivotal role in supporting democratic governance by promoting electoral integrity, strengthening institutions, and encouraging transparency and accountability.

By investing in early warning systems and conflict resolution mechanisms, ECOWAS can improve its ability to prevent and respond to political crises and conflicts. ECOWAS can enhance regional security by fostering collaboration among member states to combat terrorism and transnational crime. This includes strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and improving military cooperation. ECOWAS can engage strategically with global partners to ensure that external support aligns with regional priorities and respects the sovereignty of member states.

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