Context:
Recently, the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS.
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- ECOWAS: Fostering Integration and Stability in West Africa
- ECOWAS and India
ECOWAS: Fostering Integration and Stability in West Africa
Establishment and Mandate:
- Founded in 1975 through the Lagos Treaty.
- Also known as CEDEAO (in French).
- Headquarters located in Abuja, Nigeria.
- Mandate: Promoting economic integration among member states.
Economic Integration and Vision:
- Aims for a single common currency and a large trading bloc.
- Focus on industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, finance, and culture.
- Vision: Creating a “borderless region” based on democracy, rule of law, and good governance.
- Vision 2050: Transforming from “ECOWAS of States” to “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All.”
Role in Conflict Resolution:
- ECOWAS strives to end military conflicts in the region.
- Established ECOMOG (Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group) for regional peacekeeping.
- ECOMOG deployed forces in Liberia (1990) and Sierra Leone (1997) during civil unrest.
- 2017 intervention in The Gambia to resolve political crisis.
Recent Challenges and Actions:
- Suspended Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso following coups.
- ECOWAS refused to recognize new governments in these countries.
- Demonstrates commitment to upholding democratic norms and stability.
ECOWAS and India:
- India has Observer status with ECOWAS since 2004, fostering strong ties.
- India extends Line of Credit (LOCs) to support ECOWAS’ regional integration and development efforts.
- Collaboration provides opportunities for Indian companies in sectors like energy, telecom, and transportation in West Africa.
- ECOWAS has supported India’s bid for a seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
-Source: The Hindu
