Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Cross Border Crimes in the Sub-Region

Implications on Regional Security

Abstract

The formation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was marked by the signing of a treaty in Lagos on May 28, 1975, and its main purpose was to remove all barriers hindering the free movement of goods, capital, and people within the sub-region. Even though the initiative intended to facilitate economic growth and improve the living standards in the region, it unintentionally created problems in controlling the security across West African borders. This paper investigates the impact of transnational offences on regional security. It was guided by three key objectives: first, to determine whether the rise in crossborder criminal activities poses a threat to the national security of ECOWAS member states; second, to clarify the relationship between the ECOWAS Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons and cross-border security concerns; and third, to examine the methods employed by criminal syndicates operating within the region. The study draws primarily on the theories of state autonomy and failed statehood, using qualitative secondary data sourced from a wide range of documentary materials. The findings reveal that although ECOWAS leadership has consistently prioritised regional integration, these efforts continue to be undermined by persistent security challenges, largely stemming from inadequate border management. Consequently, one of the main suggestions was to reinforce the measures taken in the sub-region to fight cross-border crime; this could involve collaborations between governments and NGOs. Moreover, the authors pointed out that there should be a fast-tracking of the establishment of the ECOWAS Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Centre (ECPCJSC) as described in Article 46 of the ECOWAS conflict mechanism. This centre should be a point of contact to facilitate legal assistance between the different jurisdictions.