PRESIDENT TINUBU’S LEADERSHIP IN ECOWAS: A NEW ERA OF REGIONAL DIPLOMACY

Abstract

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has faced significant political and security challenges in recent years, particularly with the resurgence of military coups in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These events have tested ECOWAS’s capacity to uphold democratic governance and regional stability. The assumption of the ECOWAS Chairmanship by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in July 2023 marked a critical moment for the organization’s diplomatic and security strategies. This study examines Tinubu’s leadership in navigating these crises, assessing his mediation efforts and their broader implications for ECOWAS diplomacy. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, drawing on secondary sources such as journal articles, policy documents, and ECOWAS communiqués. Anchored in neorealism, the theoretical framework underscores the strategic actions of state actors in maintaining regional stability and balancing power among member states. Findings reveal that Tinubu’s leadership has ushered in a more assertive and interventionist approach, characterized by swift responses to unconstitutional government changes. His emphasis on economic integration, regional security, and diplomatic tools—ranging from sanctions to mediation—marks a departure from previous passive strategies. However, resistance from military juntas, internal divisions within ECOWAS, and Nigeria’s domestic constraints present significant hurdles. The study concludes that while Tinubu’s leadership has revitalized ECOWAS diplomacy, its sustainability hinges on long-term institutional reforms and strengthened member-state engagement. It recommends enhancing diplomatic cohesion, refining enforcement mechanisms, and fostering inclusive dialogue to ensure ECOWAS remains a credible force for regional stability.