Photo: Willem Heerbaart.
Established in 1975, ECOWAS has responded to a series of crises since the 1990s. In the process, the regional body has carved out a framework for mediation and intervention for its member states. However, ECOWAS interventions have yielded mixed outcomes. There have been political and diplomatic achievements but the group’s military record has been less successful. To improve this, ECOWAS should better prepare and integrate its multinational Standby Force, implement administrative reforms to develop a results-based culture, and strengthen democratic norms within the political and security institutions of its member states.
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Security Topics: Regional and International Security Cooperation