Urban Violence and Peacekeeping Mechanisms in West Africa

Abstract

Violence is ubiquitous among nations of the world. This includes Africa and other developing nations. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has its fair share of the menace. ECOWAS's quest for the development and security of its member state is in jeopardy due to various prolong episodes of urban violence. The central question this chapter seeks to address to what extent ECOWAS has achieved success in its plight for political and economic security and development in the region. Afro barometer database six data are analysed, while four countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, and Togo, are selected purposively based on colonial heritage. The chapter concludes that violence has hindered the level of development in West Africa, and drastic measures are needed to achieve success.