ECOWAS

Recent events in Niger, including a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum, have raised concerns globally. Gen. Abdourahmane Tchiani was installed as the new head of state, with President Bazoum expressing alarm over challenging economic conditions. Notably, Niger sought assistance from Russia's Wagner Group, despite its recent fallout with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response to the crisis, ECOWAS, a regional bloc, is considering various measures, including a potential military intervention.

2. What is ECOWAS? 

ECOWAS, also known as CEDEAO, is a regional economic and political union established in 1975 to promote cooperation and integration among its 15 West African member states. These members, with a combined population of around 400 million, include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo. 

Key Objectives

• ECOWAS aims to create a single, large trading bloc by facilitating the free movement of goods, people, and capital across member states. This includes establishing a common currency and harmonizing policies in areas like industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, finance, and social and cultural matters.
• ECOWAS promotes democratic principles, the rule of law, and good governance within its member states. It has actively condemned recent coups in Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, and suspended these countries from the bloc.

Structure and Leadership

• The highest decision-making body, chaired by the current Head of State and Government of a member state for one year.
• ECOWAS has various institutions like the Commission, Parliament, Community Court of Justice, and specialized agencies to implement its policies and programs.

Challenges

• Recent coups in some member states pose a significant challenge to ECOWAS's goals of stability and good governance.
• Poverty, inequality, and resource scarcity remain major issues in many member states.
• Violent extremism and terrorism threaten regional security and development.

3. ECOWAS's Role in the Region

Beyond its focus on economic integration, ECOWAS has played a crucial role in promoting stability and peace in West Africa. Its efforts have extended beyond just economic cooperation, including:

• ECOWAS established the ECOMOG regional peacekeeping force, which intervened in conflicts like Liberia's civil war and Sierra Leone's coup. This demonstrates its commitment to resolving regional conflicts through collective action.
• ECOWAS has actively supported democratic transitions in member states. Its intervention in The Gambia after the 2017 election refusal to concede by the incumbent president highlights its role in upholding democratic principles.
• ECOWAS works to address the root causes of conflict through initiatives focused on development, good governance, and human rights. This proactive approach aims to prevent conflicts before they erupt.

It's interesting to note that the current coup leader in Niger, Gen. Tchiani, previously served as an ECOWAS peacekeeper himself. This highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region, where individuals with experience in peacekeeping efforts can also become involved in military actions.

4. ECOWAS Response to Niger Crisis

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is grappling with the complex situation in Niger, and while a military intervention appears to be under consideration, the regional grouping faces numerous challenges.

Neighboring Support and Military Justifications

Mali and Burkina Faso, both under military juntas, have declared solidarity by sending a delegation to Niger. They emphasize that an attack on Niger would be perceived as an attack on them. The military coups in these neighbouring countries have been justified by pointing to the increasing influence of terrorist forces and security challenges, which, according to military leaders, the civilian establishments were incapable of handling. Criticism has also been directed at Western involvement in addressing these issues.

Terrorist Threat and Humanitarian Concerns

President Omar Alieu Touray of the ECOWAS Commission reported to the UN Security Council that the region witnessed 1,814 incidents of terrorist attacks resulting in 4,593 fatalities from January 1 to June 30, 2023. By the end of April 2023, half a million refugees were recorded in the region, underscoring the severity of the humanitarian crisis.

Economic Sanctions and Foreign Relations

The effectiveness of longstanding economic sanctions imposed by ECOWAS is in doubt, given the low economic growth prospects in the affected countries. France, a former colonizer of Niger, has halted aid following the coup. The presence of over 2,000 troops from France and the US has stirred local discontent, leading to anti-France sentiments expressed through graffiti and slogans.

Internal Struggles for Military Intervention

Internally, launching a military attack poses challenges. Nigeria, a neighbouring country, currently holds the chair of the ECOWAS bloc, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu leading the call for military intervention. However, the Nigerian Senate has resisted approving Tinubu's request for military deployment, introducing further complexities to the situation. The internal dynamics within ECOWAS may impact the feasibility and nature of any potential intervention.