The Role of the Regional Organization (ECOWAS) in Conflict Management in the Liberian Crisis (1980–1998)

Abstract

Regional organizations in Africa emerged as a result of the deteriorating conditions and conflicts that threatened the continent's stability; aiming to achieve economic integration and raise the standard of living, "ECOWAS" (Economic Community of West African States) was established in May 1975. Its goals were initially purely economic, but it later realized that development cannot be achieved without security, prompting it to amend its treaty in 1992 to include political and security powers for conflict management, especially after the inability of the Organization of African Unity and the United Nations to intervene effectively. The organization consists of several institutions, most notably: the Authority of Heads of State and Government (the highest authority), the Council of Ministers, and the Executive Secretariat, in addition to the West African Parliament, the Court of Justice, and the Fund for Cooperation, Compensation, and Development. By 1987, Liberia was the first African state to be declared bankrupt by the World Bank, and corruption and unemployment became widespread. The war broke out in 1989 led by "Charles Taylor" (National Patriotic Front) against the "Doe" regime, and the scene was complicated by the defection of "Prince Johnson" and his formation of a third faction, plunging the country into bloody chaos. Therefore, ECOWAS intervened and formed a peacekeeping force called "ECOMOG" as the first African experiment in military intervention and peace enforcement. An interim government was formed headed by "Amos Sawyer," and the forces faced violent resistance from "Taylor," who considered the intervention a Nigerian conspiracy against him.