Regional Mechanism for Conflict Resolution: An Examination of the ECOWAS Treaty Framework and Recommendations for Enhanced Efficacy

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emerged as a pivotal actor in the landscape of regional conflict resolution, evolving from a primarily economic bloc into a multifaceted security community. This article provides a comprehensive examination of the conflict resolution architecture of ECOWAS, rooted in the foundational and revised treaties that govern its operations. Methodologically, the article adopts a doctrinal legal research approach, complemented by a comparative case study analysis of ECOWAS interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire, drawing on relevant treaties, protocols, institutional instruments and other primary and secondary legal materials. It analyses the key legal and institutional dimensions, including the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, and the pivotal role of the ECOWAS Standby Force. The article critically evaluates the application of these frameworks through case studies of interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d'Ivoire, assessing both the successes and the inherent challenges. These challenges range from issues of state sovereignty and resource constraints to the complexities of addressing transnational threats like terrorism and the democratic backsliding exemplified by recent coups. Drawing upon these analyses, the article concludes with a set of actionable recommendations to the effect that there should be a proper Strengthening of the Legal Clarity of ECOWAS intervention powers and to establish a more predictable and sustainable funding mechanism.