ECOWAS Report: Insecurity hampering socio-economic development in West Africa

Security challenges and political instability are negatively impacting the socio-economic development of West Africa, according to a report published by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The report, titled ECOWAS Regional Economic Outlook (EREO), identifies key security threats, including terrorism, violence against civilians, coup d’états, post-election crises, maritime insecurity, transnational organized crime, and cross-border criminal activities.

These challenges, the report indicates, are hindering the ability of member states and the regional bloc to achieve peace, security, and stability, making these goals “an ongoing quest, rather than a reality.”

“Security issues in the ECOWAS region are on the upswing, with an increase in conflicts compared to the rest of the Sub-Saharan Africa region, despite the efforts of regional institutions,” the report stated.

The EREO 2023 edition, which marks the maiden economic outlook report by ECOWAS, provides an in-depth technical analysis of the socio-economic challenges facing member states, as well as available opportunities. It was presented to the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, by the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Madam Massandje Touré-Litsé.

Impact of insecurity

The report reveals that security challenges have had profound economic consequences for member states and affected the livelihoods of citizens.

For instance, maritime insecurity has led to significant revenue losses, particularly for countries along the Gulf of Guinea. “Piracy and armed robbery at sea cost the Gulf of Guinea states approximately $1.94 billion each year. Port charges and import tariffs lost due to reduced shipping activity are estimated at $1.4 billion per year,” the report disclosed.

Additionally, security threats have undermined peace and stability in the region, with the overall average peace index rising from 2.20 in 2021 to 2.225 in 2022, signaling increased instability.

“Three member states—The Gambia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone—are relatively peaceful, with an overall peace index below 1.8 in 2022. However, the member states most affected by terrorism and violence against civilians—Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Niger—have an overall peace index above average and close to 3.0, indicating a low level of peace.

“Only two member states—Benin and Ghana—recorded a stable evolution of the overall peace index over the period under review,” the report noted.

Recommendations

To address these security concerns, the report recommends strengthening collaboration between the ECOWAS Commission and member states.

“This should determine ECOWAS interventions in consultation with the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council,” the report stated.

It also calls for a comprehensive reform of the ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance to serve as a robust blueprint for promoting democracy in the sub-region.

“In addition, the ECOWAS Commission needs to take proactive steps to mobilize financial resources dedicated to increasing the operational and logistical capacity of the ECOWAS Standby Force,” the report added.