ECOWAS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE 2020,2021 POLITICAL CRISIS IN MALI
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ECOWAS AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE 2020,2021 POLITICAL CRISIS IN MALI
Abstract
The 2020–2021 political crisis in Mali marked a significant test of regional diplomacy and conflict management in West Africa. This study examines the role of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in managing the crisis, which was triggered by widespread protests against poor governance, corruption, insecurity, and culminated in a military coup that ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. Using a qualitative research approach and content analysis of official ECOWAS communiqués, media reports, and scholarly literature, the study evaluates the effectiveness of ECOWAS’s interventions—ranging from diplomatic engagements, mediation, imposition of sanctions, to facilitation of a transitional government. Findings indicate that while ECOWAS played a critical role in de-escalating tensions and restoring some degree of constitutional order, its efforts were hindered by internal divisions, limited enforcement mechanisms, and the persistence of underlying structural problems in Mali. The study concludes that for ECOWAS to serve as a more effective crisis management body, it must strengthen its conflict prevention mechanisms, adopt a more proactive stance in promoting democratic governance, and foster greater political will among member states. The research contributes to the understanding of regional organizations’ capacities in managing political instability and highlights the need for reforms within ECOWAS’s peace and security architecture.
Table of Contents
Title Page
Certification
Declaration
Dedication
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Abbreviations
List of Figures/Tables (if applicable)
Chapter One: Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
1.2 Statement of the Problem
1.3 Objectives of the Study
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Scope of the Study
1.6 Significance of the Study
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
Chapter Two: Literature Review and Theoretical Framework
2.1 Conceptual Clarifications
2.1.1 Political Crisis
2.1.2 Regional Conflict Management
2.1.3 ECOWAS Mandate and Intervention Protocols
2.2 Historical Overview of Mali’s Political Instability
2.3 ECOWAS as a Regional Peace and Security Actor
2.4 Review of ECOWAS Interventions in West African Crises
2.5 Empirical Review of the 2020–2021 Mali Crisis
2.6 Theoretical Framework
2.6.1 Regional Security Complex Theory
2.6.2 Liberal Institutionalism
Chapter Three: Research Methodology
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Population and Sample Size
3.3 Sampling Technique
3.4 Sources of Data
3.5 Method of Data Collection
3.6 Method of Data Analysis
3.7 Ethical Considerations
3.8 Limitations of the Study
Chapter Four: Data Presentation, Analysis, and Discussion
4.1 Overview of the 2020–2021 Political Crisis in Mali
4.2 ECOWAS Responses and Diplomatic Interventions
4.3 Analysis of ECOWAS Sanctions and Mediation Outcomes
4.4 Effectiveness and Challenges of ECOWAS’s Role
4.5 Discussion of Findings in Relation to Research Questions and Theoretical Framework
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusion, and Recommendations
5.1 Summary of Major Findings
5.2 Conclusion
5.3 Recommendations
5.4 Suggestions for Further Research
CHAPTER ONE:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 1975, was originally created to promote economic integration among West African countries. Over time, however, the organization has evolved to assume broader responsibilities, including regional peace and security, democratic governance, and conflict resolution (Adebajo, 2002). ECOWAS has become a major actor in the management of political instability in West Africa, deploying diplomatic, economic, and military tools to restore constitutional order and peace in member states.
The Republic of Mali, a landlocked West African nation, has faced recurring political instability, including military coups, ethnic tensions, Islamist insurgencies, and weak democratic institutions. In August 2020, a group of military officers, under the banner of the National Committee for the Salvation of the People (CNSP), staged a coup and overthrew President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta following months of popular protests against alleged corruption, poor governance, and insecurity (International Crisis Group, 2020). ECOWAS swiftly condemned the coup, imposed economic sanctions, and demanded a return to civilian rule (ECOWAS Commission, 2020).
Despite an initial transition agreement, a second coup occurred in May 2021, when the transitional president and prime minister were detained and removed by the same military junta (BBC News, 2021). These developments prompted renewed concerns over Mali’s stability and the credibility of regional conflict management frameworks. ECOWAS responded with a new set of sanctions and negotiations, illustrating both the potential and limitations of regional organizations in managing political crises.
The Malian crisis represents a critical test for ECOWAS, challenging its normative frameworks on democracy and governance. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of regional mechanisms in deterring unconstitutional changes of government, especially in an era where military coups appear to be resurging in West Africa (Omede, 2021).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite its swift and firm interventions, ECOWAS has faced considerable criticism regarding the handling of the 2020 and 2021 political crises in Mali. While its sanctions and mediation led to a transitional arrangement, the recurrence of a second coup exposed weaknesses in the enforcement and sustainability of ECOWAS decisions. Critics argue that ECOWAS’ approach has been inconsistent, overly diplomatic, and sometimes ineffective in deterring military adventurism in the region (Oloruntoba, 2021).
Furthermore, questions persist over the legitimacy and inclusiveness of ECOWAS-mediated processes, as well as the organization’s capacity to enforce compliance among sovereign states. The Mali case thus highlights a gap between normative declarations and practical outcomes in regional crisis management. This study seeks to interrogate the effectiveness, challenges, and implications of ECOWAS’ involvement in managing the political crises in Mali during 2020 and 2021.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the role of ECOWAS in the management of the 2020–2021 political crisis in Mali.
The specific objectives are:
To analyze the nature and causes of the 2020 and 2021 political crises in Mali.
To evaluate the interventions and strategies employed by ECOWAS in managing the crises.
To assess the effectiveness and limitations of ECOWAS’ response.
To explore the implications of ECOWAS’ actions on regional peace and democratic governance.
1.4 Research Questions
The study seeks to answer the following research questions:
What were the underlying causes of the 2020 and 2021 political crises in Mali?
What roles did ECOWAS play in managing these crises?
How effective were ECOWAS interventions in restoring constitutional order in Mali?
What are the broader implications of the ECOWAS response for regional stability and democracy?
1.5 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for multiple reasons. First, it contributes to the growing body of literature on regionalism and conflict management in Africa. Second, it provides a case study of ECOWAS’ evolving role beyond economic integration to peacekeeping and governance. Third, the research offers insights into the challenges of enforcing democratic norms in a region susceptible to military interventions. Lastly, the findings may inform policy reforms within ECOWAS and guide future responses to similar crises in the region.
1.6 Scope and Delimitation of the Study
This study focuses specifically on the ECOWAS interventions in Mali’s political crises during the 2020 and 2021 periods. It examines the nature of the crises, ECOWAS’ diplomatic and economic responses, and the outcomes of these interventions. The study does not cover earlier or later coups in Mali or other regional organizations’ roles (e.g., African Union or United Nations) unless directly relevant to ECOWAS actions.
1.7 Theoretical Framework
This study is anchored on Regional Security Complex Theory (RSCT) and Liberal Institutionalism. RSCT explains how regional organizations such as ECOWAS emerge in response to geographically proximate security interdependence (Buzan & Wæver, 2003). Mali’s political crisis affected not only its internal security but also threatened regional stability, prompting ECOWAS to act.
Liberal institutionalism, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of international institutions in promoting cooperation, reducing anarchy, and fostering norms of behavior among states (Keohane, 1984). ECOWAS, through its protocols and frameworks, functions as a mechanism for enforcing democratic norms and resolving disputes peacefully.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
ECOWAS: A regional political and economic union of 15 West African countries aimed at promoting integration and stability.
Political Crisis: A period of severe political instability marked by government breakdown, coups, or unconstitutional power seizures.
Military Coup: The illegal and forceful takeover of government power by armed forces.
Transition Government: An interim arrangement put in place to manage governance during periods of political crisis.
Conflict Management: Strategies and actions taken to mitigate, resolve, or prevent conflicts within or between states.
References
Adebajo, A. (2002). Building Peace in West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. International Peace Academy.
BBC News. (2021). Mali coup: President and PM ousted by military. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news
Buzan, B., & Wæver, O. (2003). Regions and Powers: The Structure of International Security. Cambridge University Press.
ECOWAS Commission. (2020). Final Communiqué: Extraordinary Summit on the Socio-Political Situation in Mali. Abuja: ECOWAS Secretariat.
International Crisis Group. (2020). Mali: Avoiding Escalation. Crisis Group Africa Report No. 292.
Keohane, R. O. (1984). After Hegemony: Cooperation and Discord in the World Political Economy. Princeton University Press.
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