Abstract
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was established with the primary aim of promoting economic cooperation and regional integration in West Africa. However, the organization faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding, policy gaps, and persistent political instability within the region.
This study investigates the challenges and prospects of ECOWAS in ensuring political stability in West Africa. A mixed-method approach was employed for data collection to enhance the validity of the findings. The theory of democratic consolidation, as developed by Juan Linz, served as the theoretical framework for the study.
Findings reveal that ECOWAS’s military and security capabilities have significantly influenced its responses to regional crises. However, internal political instability within member states continues to hinder the organization’s ability to effectively lead and coordinate regional development initiatives. Additionally, limited collaboration among member states constrains the scalability of ECOWAS interventions and efforts toward sustainable development in the region.
The study concludes that there is a pressing need for structured partnerships and stronger institutional support to enhance ECOWAS’s reach and effectiveness. It therefore recommends the establishment of a mandatory regional stabilization fund, financed through enforceable contributions from member states and a fixed levy on intra-regional trade, alongside strict compliance monitoring and sanctions for defaulting states.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19365571
Writers:
Mercy Aboh Shaba
Department of Political Science,
Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa
State University, Keffi.
Phone Number: 08032898970
ORCID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-4844-0756
Abdullahi Mohammed Abdul, PhD.
Department of Political Science,
Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa
State University, Keffi.
Kana A. A. Ebini, PhD. (Esq)
Department of Political Science,
Faculty of Social Sciences, Nasarawa
State University, Keffi.
Corresponding Author’s Email:
shabamercy2402904@nsuk.edu.ng