Military Coups in West Africa and Future of ECOWAS

Military coups in West Africa have been a recurrent phenomenon, marked by the forceful overthrow of democratically elected governments by military factions. These events are often fueled by a complex interplay of factors such as political instability, rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, ethnic tensions, and widespread dissatisfaction with governance. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emerged as a pivotal entity in addressing these regional challenges, with a mandate to foster peace, security, and economic integration. In recent years, ECOWAS has taken a resolute stance against military coups, condemning these actions and imposing sanctions on coup leaders and their affiliates. Despite these efforts, the persistent occurrence of military coups continues to threaten regional stability, democratic governance, and socio-economic progress. The ongoing challenge lies in the ability of ECOWAS and other regional bodies to effectively prevent, manage, and resolve such crises, highlighting the need for a deeper investigation into the underlying causes and potential solutions.

This research topic aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of military coups in West Africa and the evolving role of ECOWAS in addressing these challenges. The primary objectives include examining the root causes and motivations behind military coups, assessing their impact on democracy and regional dynamics, and evaluating the effectiveness of ECOWAS's interventions. Key questions to be addressed include: What are the underlying factors driving military coups in West Africa? How do these coups affect democratic governance and regional stability? What strategies can ECOWAS employ to enhance its conflict management and resolution capabilities?

To gather further insights into the complexities of military coups in West Africa and the future role of ECOWAS, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• Root Causes and Motivations of Military Coups
• Impact of Coups on Democratic Governance
• Regional Dynamics and the Role of ECOWAS
• International Response to Military Coups
• Conflict Management and Resolution Strategies
• Enhancing Democratic Governance and Institutional Reform
• Promoting Peace and Security in West Africa

Keywords: Africa, Coup, ECOWAS, Governance, Security

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.