ECOWAS PROTOCOL ON DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN SOME WESTERN AFRICAN STATES 2010-2024.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Many West African nations have gone through cycles of political instability following their independence from colonial authorities, which have been typified by military takeovers, civil wars, and ineffective governments. These occurrences frequently led to violations of human rights, economic stagnation, and social unrest. The goal of the 1975 establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is to foster collaboration and economic integration among its member states (ECOWAS). However, the region has frequently seen political unrest, coups, and conflicts, which have impeded integration and economic growth. To address these issues, the ECOWAS established the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance in 2001. The treaty is the result of member governments' coordinated efforts to solve the region's long-standing problems with political instability, coups d'état, and governance crises. Embracing and advancing democratic values, (Williams, 2024)

The political rationale behind the formation of ECOWAS in 1975 was to improve sub regional etiquette, ensure the dissemination of democratic principles among member nations, and automate the process of democratic government in member states (ECFR). It must also mediate disputes in order to preserve the fundamentals of peace and democracy. The political foundations of ECOWAS were these and much more, considering that a regional organization existed before. But considering the extent of this investigation, a lot appears to have come apart recently in the ECOWAS political sphere. This covers concerns of political unrest and the

To strengthen democracy and stop unconstitutional changes in administration within the ECOWAS area, the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance was developed. It lays out fundamental ideas including the independence of the judiciary, the division of powers, and the holding of free, fair, and transparent elections. In addition, the convention highlights how crucial democratic governance, the rule of law, and human rights are to the stability and advancement of the area (ECOWAS, 2001). Western Africa has seen political instability even after the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance was adopted; military coups have occurred in Mali (2012, 2020), Guinea-Bissau (2012), and Burkina Faso (2015, 2022). Terrorist attacks, election disputes, and democratic backsliding have all occurred in the region (UN News, 2024). The resolve of member states to respect democratic values, abide by the protocol's rules, and work cooperatively to implement its processes is what makes the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Political Stability effective (Williams, 2024). Although occasionally encountering difficulties with enforcement and compliance, ECOWAS has been instrumental in advancing political stability, democratic consolidation, and peace building initiatives throughout West Africa throughout the years.

From 2010 to 2024, this research is to examine how well the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance promotes democracy and guards against political instability in Western African nations. Best practices and potential areas for development will be highlighted as the study looks at the protocol's implementation, difficulties, and effects on member states.

1.2 Statement of the problem

In West Africa, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, has played a significant role in advancing democracy and sound governance. The goal of the 2001-adopted ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance is to control and evade political instability in the area (ECOWAS, 2001). However, between 2010 and 2024, political instability befell a few Western African governments in spite of this policy. Even after the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance was adopted in 2001, political unrest, democratic regression, and military takeovers are still frequent occurrences throughout Western Africa. The region has seen recurrent military takeovers in Guinea-Bissau (2012), Burkina Faso (2015), and Mali (2012, 2020); electoral disputes and democratic regression in Senegal, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire; ongoing terrorist acts and instability in the Sahel region; lax enforcement and implementation of the protocol's provisions; and a dearth of efficient mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts. (Duzor & Williamson, 2023)

One of the key provisions of the protocol is the rejection of unconstitutional changes of government, such as coups and undemocratic transfer of power (ECOWAS, 2001). However, this provision has been violated in some member states, leading to political instability. For instance, the ousting of President Amadou Toumani Touré of Mali in 2012 (BBC, 2012). And a similar case in Guinea. 

In addition to military coups, several countries have experienced electoral disputes and democratic regression. For instance, Senegal has experienced political unrest and protests over electoral procedures and constitutional reforms, despite the country's reputation as a stable democracy (Brookings Institution, 2021).. Significant electoral problems have arisen in Nigeria, especially during the country's 2019 general elections, which were clouded by accusations of violence and vote tampering ((Human Rights Watch, 2019).. Deeply ingrained political rivalry and ethnic tensions were evident in the violent and contentious presidential elections in Côte d'Ivoire in 2010 and 2020 (Crisis Group, 2020).

An in-depth examination of the topic is required, despite the political experts and media commentators' best efforts to illuminate the political events in West Africa and ECOWAS in order to preserve political stability in the sub region. ​In order to close the gap, this study carefully examines the political crises in West Africa, focusing on Burkina Faso and Mali between 2010 and 2024 and including ECOWAS in the discussion over its position on democracy

1.3 Objectives of the study

This research is contingent upon fulfilling the subsequent goals. 

From 2010 to 2024, evaluate how well the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good government has served to advance democratic government and avert political instability in the Western African states.

List the main obstacles, impediments, and socioeconomic, institutional, and political issues preventing the protocol from being implemented effectively in each of the member states.

Examine how ECOWAS helps member nations uphold democratic norms and ideals.

Examine the degree of regional solidarity, cooperation, and joint action among the member states of the ECOWAS in the Protocol.

1.4 Research Questions

From 2010 to 2024, how successful was the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good government in fostering democratic government and averting political instability in Western African states? 

What are the main obstacles, impediments, and socioeconomic, institutional, and political issues impeding the protocol's successful implementation in the various member states? 

What part does ECOWAS play in encouraging democratic values and norms among its member states? 

How cooperative, united, and cooperative are the ECOWAS member nations in the Protocol on a regional level?

1.5 Significance of the study

This study is important because it sheds light on how well the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Political Stability addresses West African political instability and governance issues. It is essential to comprehend how the protocol affects initiatives for regional integration. The report will emphasize how ECOWAS helps member nations cooperate, stand together, and take coordinated action to advance democratic governance and stability throughout the region.

This research work is set out to elucidate how well ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good government has served in advancing democratic government and avert political instability in the Western African states. As earlier captured by tis research work, there are hitches that militate against the successes of this protocol and as such, this study will explicate the impediments, socioeconomic, institutional, and political issues thwarting the protocol from being executed efficiently in each of the member states. In furtherance, this research will enlighten on strides put up by ECOWAS to help member nations in upholding democratic norms and ideals. This study shall go further to enunciate the level of solidarity in cooperation and collective actions among members of ECOWAS as enshrined in the protocol.

1.6 Scope of the study

The application of the ECOWAS Protocol and its effects on political stability and democracy in a subset of the Economic Community of West African nations (ECOWAS) member nations are the main subjects of this study. It comprises a review of political dynamics, governance issues, and democratic practices in major nations that have gone through major governance crises or periods of political instability between 2010 and 2024. Countries that make up ECOWAS are the main focus of this study while the research shall confine the study to the period of 2010-2024

1.7 Limitations of the study

The quality and quantity of data on political instability and democracy in Western African states, notably for the years 2010–2024, may have hampered the study. Additionally, the analysis was constrained by the quantity and caliber of information on political unrest and democratic practices in Western African nations, especially for the years 2010–2024. Without taking into account any other regional or global factors that can have an impact on the growth of democracy, the study exclusively looked at how the ECOWAS Protocol affected political instability and democracy. 

The distinct political, historical, and cultural backgrounds of each Western African nation were not sufficiently taken into account in the study, which could have had an impact on how effective the ECOWAS Protocol was. The study's scope was inadequate in addressing the obstacles and limits that ECOWAS encountered throughout Protocol implementation, including issues related to political will and resource limitations.

1.8 Research Methodology

In order to comprehend the idea of the ECOWAS Protocol on democracy and political instability in several Western African States between 2010 and 2024, this study uses a qualitative and historical methodology. Using data from secondary sources, the paper examines the creation and use of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy over the relevant period. Together with internet publications, the researcher also consulted textbooks and periodicals.

1.9 Definition of terms

ECOWAS: Founded in 1975 with the goals of advancing social progress, political stability, and economic integration throughout the area, ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) is a regional economic union of fifteen West African nations. 

Democracy In a democracy, the people themselves, or their chosen representatives, hold the ultimate power. 

Political instability is the state in which there is uncertainty, unrest, or conflict within a nation or government, making it challenging to uphold stability, order, and efficient governance.