THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DRIVERS OF SEPARATIST MOVEMENTS IN SELECTED WEST AFRICAN COUNTRIES AND ECOWAS DEVELOPMENT AGENDA

Abstract

Separatist movements in West Africa presents a profound challenge to state sovereignty and regional integration, rooted in deep-seated socio-economic grievances such as inequality, uneven resource allocation, political exclusion, and cultural marginalization. These movements not only fuel instability but also hinder the developmental aspirations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which seeks to promote peace, security, and growth across the region. This study investigates the socio-economic drivers of separatist movements in selected West Africa and their implications for regional stability and development. Employing secondary data and case studies of notable separatist movements, the research is grounded in Dependency Theory, which examines structural inequalities and external pressures, and Regional Security Theory, which underscores the interplay between development and stability. The findings reveal critical gaps in ECOWAS’s current development strategies, which often fail to address localized grievances, thereby creating opportunities for separatist movements to thrive. These shortcomings underscore the need for a more inclusive and decentralized approach to governance and resource distribution. This study’s significance lies in its contribution to understanding the socio-economic underpinnings of separatist movements and its call for ECOWAS to re-evaluate its development and conflict prevention strategies. It concludes that achieving lasting peace and regional stability requires ECOWAS to address structural inequalities, foster collaboration with member states for equitable development, and strengthen its mechanisms for conflict prevention. These recommendations aim to align regional efforts with the localized needs of affected communities, paving the way for sustainable peace and integration in West Africa.