TINUBU’S DIPLOMATIC STRATEGIES IN ECOWAS CRISIS MANAGEMENT

Abstract

This study explores the pivotal role of Nigeria, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's leadership, in managing crises within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The region has been beset by political instability, military coups, and security threats, with ECOWAS at the forefront of efforts to mediate and resolve these challenges. The research aims to assess Tinubu’s diplomatic strategies in navigating these crises and his influence on regional peace and stability. Guided by the regional security complex theory, which highlights the interdependence of states’ security concerns, this study adopts a qualitative approach, relying on secondary data from government reports, ECOWAS communiqués, and scholarly articles. The findings reveal that Tinubu has employed a range of strategies, including bilateral negotiations, multilateral diplomacy, and the use of economic sanctions to address conflicts. His administration has also emphasized preventive diplomacy, engaging stakeholders to avert escalation. The study underscores Tinubu's reshaping of Nigeria’s leadership within ECOWAS, reinforcing its commitment to regional security. However, challenges such as resistance from military regimes and economic limitations have hindered progress. To enhance long-term peace, the research recommends a balanced approach, integrating diplomatic engagement with economic incentives and fostering greater regional cooperation. Ultimately, this paper highlights the need for multifaceted strategies in ECOWAS’s crisis management efforts to ensure sustained peace in West Africa.