An Example of Regional Integration in Africa: Economic Community of West African States-ECOWAS

Year 2023, Volume: 11 Issue: Afrika, 76 - 87, 30.09.2023

Boubacar Houdy Barry , Engin Koç

https://doi.org/10.18506/anemon.1275576

Abstract

Established in 1975 mainly as a regional organization to promote the economic integration of fifteen member states, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has been responsible for resolving political events in the region, armed conflicts and other political crises that have undermined peace and security in the community sphere. Although ECOWAS's initial aim was to establish economic integration, as a regional organization it has been obliged to deal with numerous political crises during its 48 years of experience, from civil war to various military or constitutional coups. These circumstances compelled ECOWAS to fully embrace the question of security as a "fundamental goal" in the 1990s. In this sense, the organization has played an effective role in many crises through regional diplomacy and military intervention. The region is widely recognized as a pioneer, particularly in the African peace and security architecture. Since 2000, ECOWAS has increased its profile in promoting a regional approach to agriculture and food security supported at the continental level by the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme. In this study, subtitles such as the promotion of regional integration and its role in international relations, the history and establishment of the Economic Community of West African States, its general information, its purpose and vision, the economic situation, its role in ensuring peace in the region and strengthening democracy will be explained.

Keywords

Ecowas, West Afrika, peace, Ecomog, Economic Integration

Afrika'da Bölgesel Entegrasyona Yönelik Bir Örnek: Batı Afrika Devletleri Ekonomik Topluluğu-ECOWAS

Abstract

1975 yılında, esasen on beş üye devletin ekonomik entegrasyonunu teşvik etmek için bölgesel bir organizasyon olarak kurulan Batı Afrika Devletleri Ekonomik Topluluğu (ECOWAS), bölgedeki siyasi olaylar, toplum alanındaki barış ve güvenliği baltalayan silahlı çatışmalara ve diğer politik krizlere çözüm bulmaktan sorumlu olmuştur. ECOWAS'ın kurulmasına yönelik ilk amacı ekonomik entegrasyon olsa da, bir bölgesel örgüt olarak, 48 yıllık deneyimi boyunca iç savaştan çeşitli askeri veya anayasal darbelere kadar çok sayıda siyasi krizle uğraşmak zorunda kalmıştır. Bu koşullar ECOWAS'ı 1990'larda güvenlik sorununu "temel amaç" olarak tamamen benimsemeye zorladı. Bu anlamda örgüt bölgesel diplomasi ve askeri müdahale yoluyla birçok krizde etkili bir şekilde rol oynamıştır. Bölge, Afrika Barış ve Güvenlik Mimarisi da dâhil olmak üzere, yaygın olarak bir öncü olarak kabul edilmektedir. 2000 yılından itibaren ECOWAS, Kapsamlı Afrika Tarımsal Kalkınma Programı tarafından kıta düzeyinde desteklenen tarım ve gıda güvenliğine bölgesel bir yaklaşımı teşvik etme konusundaki profilini artırdı. Bu çalışmada bölgesel entegrasyon tanıtımı ve uluslararası ilişkilerdeki rolü, Batı Afrika Devletleri Ekonomik Topluluğu’nun tarihi ve kuruluşu, genel bilgileri, amaç ve vizyonu, ekonomi durumu, bölgedeki barışın sağlanmasında ve demokrasinin güçlendirilmesinde oynadığı rolü gibi alt başlıklar izah edilecektir.

Keywords

Ecowas, Batı Afrika, Barış, Ekonomik entegrasyon, Ecomog

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