Afrika'da bölgesel örgütlerin çatışma çözümü yaklaşımı: CEDEAO örneği

Two approaches behind the creation of ECOWAS is the realization of sustainable development, peace and sustainable internal and external reliable security. Initially, ECOWAS was created solely towards pure economic integration but due to various conflicts observed from 1990s, they decided to combine economic integration with the policy to better address the problem of this time. Through this integration of ECOWAS, Member states succeeded in establishing the CFA franc as the single currency in Francophone countries through WAMU (West African Monetary Union), the UDEAO (Customs Union of States of the West Africa) for the free movement of goods and as well established ECOWAS passport, valid in all member countries, for free movement of people. Through the BOAD (West African Development Bank) and the BCEAO (Central Bank of the States of West Africa) based in Togo and Senegal respectively, Member states were able to contract loans for the implementation of major projects. ECOWAS has been established because of the failures of several other intergovernmental integrations that were created just before and after independence in several sub-Saharan countries. The first integrations failed to stop the enormous problems that existed in this period due to the immaturity of African leaders. They took responsibilities of managing administrative affaires without adequate managerial experience. The inexperience and lack of well developmental plans contributed to the disappearance of the first organizations in West Africa. So the creation of ECOWAS had raised hopes for its members, being aware of previous failures. One could say that in 1975, African leaders have gained more maturity to build a noble and worthy of its mission integration. Unfortunately, she also had the warning signs of troubles as the old ones. It was followed by similar image with a few differences from other defunct integrations that it was supposed to excel in its missions. Of course at the beginning her goal was to ensure a purely economic integration. But it has not yet find solutions to address issues of concern that existed in the promotion of the development of its member countries. Considering the many challenges that ECOWAS should meet in terms of development, it has defined its objectives and is provided on the subject of specific organs. These objectives include the promotion of cooperation, integration and the strengthening of relations between the member states. This shows the multiplicity and diversity of objectives that ECOWAS should therefore tackle to face the well-being of the citizens of this integration. If one pays little attention to the abbreviation of ECOWAS, we realize that, this is an economic integration inclinations. But that does not mean it is limited only in the economic field without addressing issues of peace and law. Like all organizations, ECOWAS has taken several actions by successive reforms to better understand the problems of her time and extensions for wider integration of United West Africans. Since its inception, it has assigned primary responsibility for ensuring the free movement of persons and goods to support an economic area of trade and mobilize substantial resources for the implementation of major development work in each state. But in recent years with the new reforms, ECOWAS is involved in several business areas such as in the field of peace and security in its member states, promoting human rights and democracy. The political origins of multilateral integration within ECOWAS are analyzed primarily as awareness through self-criticism of the selfish and dictatorial nationalist politics practiced by the African Heads of States, during the period after independence. As young independent states without extensive experience in human and material management, sometimes the leaders are using force to impose reforms with no benefit to most citizens. It also manifests itself by a sharp protest against the international economic system that was not conducive to the development of African countries. So the need to seek a new political platform, supportive and compatible with the aspirations of self-development of African states was already on the agenda. Amongst the several reasons for choosing this theme is to address the actions of ECOWAS that address conflict resolution and the conclusions that can be drawn from this exercise since its inception. This means that despite the existence of this organization, many problems of economic development, free movement of people and goods, peace, violation of human rights and democratic rules still exist in the western part the old continent. The real problems of the countries of West Africa, specifically, are the wars, revolts, tensions, border conflicts, insecurity and bad governance. Note that these problems have various origins since they are different from each other. Some of these problems stemmed from the history of nations, but others are related to citizens of the same country fıghtıng to conquer a share of the natıonal resources based on ethnıc groupıng. Infact, it does not exclude other sources of tensions related to the unequal distribution of national wealth or even related to the exclusion of an ethnic group or more participation management in public affairs. Anyway, an internal disagreement was foremost of the reasons of conflict. Nonetheless, conflicts were not only internal, some originated from outside factors such as the interference in the politics of ECOWAS by foreign powers especially Western countries for example France. She still maintains pressure on its former colonies to safeguard its interests. Thus, ECOWAS is not only suffering from internal problems but they seem to be heavy external pressure affecting their integration plans which can be seen in the discrepancies of making and implementing of decisions by the Heads of States and Governments of member states. African leaders are forced to do the will of donors to continue to receive their supports. The ECOWAS priorities were discontinued because to keep as long in power, they must have the support of foreign powers in return, they must operate as long as they want the country's resources sponsored. All these problems have combined ECOWAS into an abyss. All the states of West Africa were convinced that it was necessary to give a new impetus to the development of the West African region. In the same vein, the horizontal solidarity, which should allow the growth of trade between African countries, encourage the pooling of their resources and their complementary efforts, was virtually absent. Having always resort to external aid has become a liability or a danger to the economic development of African countries. The truth is that for a long time these countries are accustomed to foreign aid that are difficult to repay because they are mostly misused and repayment conditions are unfavorable for young independent states. For real independence, which must be both political and economic, African countries are required to change the kind of relationship that benefits the rich countries. To change this, we need a collectively and not individually fıght the battle because it is often said that unity is strength. This is why regional integration in ECOWAS would be West Africa renewal for developing countries. All fifteen (15) member countries of ECOWAS always come together to deliberate on economic issues despite their differences. So in the context also, Member states of ECOWAS are mostly interested in economic integration leaving out other integrations such as political, social security and defense which are still without adequate solutions in their states. These problem are related to electoral disputes, uprisings of people, terrorism in recent decades, poverty, corruption, impunity and non-respect of human rights. All these often lead member countries into interpersonal conflicts and civil wars that are beyond the competence of ECOWAS. ECOMOG, the armed force of ECOWAS, has played a key role in conflict resolution since 1990s till date. However, since the creation of ECOWAS in 1975, many efforts were made to change the policy plans, in spite of this, all member countries happen to have adopted democratic regime, even if the governing practice of its rules seems difficult. But despite all these, some obstacles still hinder the objectives of ECOWAS. In these circumstances, the only way out for ECOWAS, if it truly wants to achieve its goals, especially in politics, is to focus on raising awareness for awareness accompanied by the political will of its leaders to respect the decisions of the institution and effectively putting them into practice. It must strengthen and support democracy in its member states, strengthening measures against the various kinds of trafficking (drugs, arms, and children) and cross-border crimes. Lack of will in implementing the protocol agreements, inefficient structures to coordinate the activities of the community, political instability and economic crises condemning people to poverty are problems that ECOWAS will resolve to tackle the development of populations of its member states. Whereas ethnicity becomes increasingly a source of division and conflict, then the laws of the member countries must now provide equal opportunity in all areas to citizens. Although it is undeniable that human resource is the main actor in development, it is mandatory that everyone has a say on the issues of his country. Should not haggle efforts in this direction for those who really believe in the integration, development and African unity. In conclusion, to find solution to these barriers, ECOWAS must have, as its motto, enforcement in monitoring the implementation of its provisions. Despite all the criticisms, ECOWAS remains the most successful regional integration in Africa. KEYWORDS: ORGANIZATIONS, REGIONAL, RESOLUTION, CONFLICT