MEDIATION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION: PRESIDENT TINUBU’S APPROACH TO ECOWAS CRISES

Abstract

West Africa continues to grapple with persistent political instability, characterized by military coups, insurgencies, and governance challenges. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has historically intervened through diplomacy, sanctions, and military actions to restore constitutional order. Since assuming the ECOWAS chairmanship in 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has played a central role in conflict resolution, particularly in Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Niger. His approach, blending diplomatic engagement, economic sanctions, and the threat of military intervention, has sparked both support and resistance across the region. This study examines the effectiveness of President Tinubu’s mediation strategies in addressing ECOWAS crises. Employing a qualitative research approach, it relies on secondary data sources, including ECOWAS communiqués, policy documents, and expert analyses. The research is grounded in the regional security complex theory, which explains how security dynamics in one West African state affect the entire region. Findings reveal that while Tinubu’s diplomatic efforts have facilitated dialogue, his firm stance on military intervention has generated significant controversy and resistance among some member states. The study underscores the need for ECOWAS to refine its conflict resolution mechanisms by adopting a more inclusive and sustainable approach. It concludes that lasting peace in the region requires a balanced strategy that integrates political dialogue, economic incentives, and security assistance. The study recommends that ECOWAS prioritize multilateral engagement, enhance its early warning systems, and promote regional stability through long-term governance reforms and economic development initiatives.