Revue des sciences civiles et juridiques

Abstrait

ECOWAS Protocol on Free Movement and Trans-border Security in West Africa

Opanike A and Aduloju AA

Previous studies on regionalism in West Africa affirm that one of the reasons for integration in the region is the selfish interests of Nigeria. However, the benefits of regional cooperation amongst West African states cannot be sacrificed on the altar of the political interests of Nigeria as previously claimed. Undoubtedly, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has embarked on different integration schemes to foster cooperation and development among member states; the most important among all is the Free Movement Protocol. Although existing literature has investigated the benefits and effectiveness of the protocol in West African Sub-region. Studies on the security implications of the Free Movement Protocol for the region are scanty. This study interrogates the ECOWAS Free Movement Protocol vis-à-vis trans-border security in West Africa.