Militant Groups and the Politics of Institutional Innovation in Africa: A Case Study of the 2013 ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Strategy

Abstract

This study examined the extent to which geopolitics has influenced the 2013 ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Strategy’s (ECTS) implementation. The study adopted the qualitative case study research design which enabled the researcher to elicit in-depth information from 12 respondents in face-to-face interviews. The study found that a combination of factors has affected the ECTS’ implementation. These include but are not limited to: (1) the quota system; (2) political tension; (3) socio-cultural and language barrier; (4) the Nigerian factor; and (5) lack of funding. The study also revealed that the nature of politics among ECOWAS member states has greater influence on the overall implementation of the ECTS. Thus, the study recommends that a well-coordinated, resilient and robust collective security scheme in West Africa can be achieved through the commitment of enough resources by the ECOWAS member states whiles ensuring that there is also the strong political will and community spirit towards this endeavour.