Challenging security council's monopoly power over the use of force in enforcement actions that case ECOWAS

Abstract

The treaty of Lagos emerged in 1975 proposing a union of West African states. The treaty was initially meant for economic integration but a wave of political reforms and civil strife in the region led to its revision. This led to an expansion of its scope and powers to include political integration. In 1999, to expand its mandate, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), adopted the Protocol on Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security (hereinafter Protocol on Mechanism for Conflict Prevention). This was adopted in line with the United Nations Charter’s chapter on the exception of the use of force, provisions that allow use of force in the African Union and ECOWAS protocols that provide for members to give each other mutual assistance for defence against any armed threat. There was need for the regional body to develop policies to protect civilians due to an increase in protracted domestic conflicts in the region and restore life to normalcy after conflicts. The Protocol outlines its objectives which include maintaining and consolidating peace, security and stability within the community and the constitution and deployment of a civilian or military force to maintain or restore peace within the region when the need arises