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Picture Courtesy: https://www.euronews.com/2024/02/04/opposition-leaders-reject-senegal-election-delays-as-west-african-bloc-urges-dialogue
Context: The political unrest in Senegal prompts the West African bloc to appeal for unity and address the departure of three countries affected by coups.
Details
About the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) |
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Established |
βOn May 28, 1975 βBy the Treaty of Lagos signed by 15 member states βHeadquarters: Abuja, Nigeria |
Members (Current) |
β15 West African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Togo βRecently, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger announced withdrawal (not yet finalized). |
Aim |
βPromote cooperation and integration for economic prosperity and regional stability. βAddresses challenges like poverty, conflict, and climate change. |
Key Objectives |
βEconomic Integration: Create a common market, free trade area, and eventually, an economic and monetary union. βHarmonization: Align policies and programs in areas like trade, investment, agriculture, and energy. βDevelopment: Promote balanced development across member states, focusing on vulnerable groups. βPeace & Security: Foster regional peace and security through conflict prevention, resolution, and cooperation. βHuman Rights: Protect and promote human rights in accordance with international and regional standards. |
Structure |
βHeads of State and Government: Highest decision-making body, meets annually. βCouncil of Ministers: Oversees implementation of policies and programs, and meets twice annually. βCommission: Executes decisions and manages day-to-day operations. βOther Institutions: Include the Court of Justice, Parliament, and Investment Bank. βEach member state has representation in all organs. |
Challenges |
βPolitical instability: Coups and internal conflicts hinder progress. βEconomic disparities: Member states have diverse economic strengths and weaknesses. βImplementation gaps: Turning policies into action remains a challenge. βSecurity threats: Terrorism, piracy, and organized crime pose dangers. |
Achievements |
βTrade liberalization: Increased intra-regional trade and economic activity. βPeacekeeping missions: Stabilized conflict zones and facilitated elections. βPolicy harmonization: Improved regional cooperation and coordination. βInfrastructure development: Built roads, bridges, and power grids. |
Future Vision |
βECOWAS of the People: Achieve peace, prosperity, and sustainable development for all citizens by 2050. βBorderless region: Facilitate free movement of people, goods, and services. βIntegrated economy: Create a single economic and monetary union. βGood governance: Promote democracy, rule of law, and human rights. |
Senegal's Political Crisis
Role of ECOWAS
Senegal |
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Geography and Ecology |
βSenegal is a West African country situated on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. βBordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. βEcologically diverse: semiarid grassland, oceanfront, tropical rainforest convergence. βRich plant and animal life; national symbols: baobab tree and lion. |
Historical Background |
βPart of ancient Ghana and Djolof kingdoms; key point on trans-Saharan caravan routes. βContested by European powers (England, France, Portugal, Netherlands) before French control in the late 19th century. βGained independence in 1960 under Léopold Senghor's leadership. |
Economy |
βTraditionally dependent on peanuts; government diversification efforts. βEconomic decline in the 20th century due to external factors (CFA franc devaluation, high debt servicing costs) and internal factors (population growth, unemployment). |
Ethnic Composition |
βAlmost 40% Wolof population; a stratified society with hereditary nobility and griots (musicians/storytellers). βContemporary culture, especially music and arts, draws on Wolof sources; influences from other ethnic groups (Fulani, Serer, Diola, Malinke). |
Conclusion
Must Read Articles:
PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How can India effectively cooperate with West Asian countries to counter the spread of radicalization and extremism, considering the complex socio-political landscape and differing approaches? Answer Structure: βIntroduction: Give a brief background of India-West Asia relations, highlighting the common interests and challenges, and the significance of countering radicalization and extremism for regional stability and security. βBody: Discuss the main causes and drivers of radicalization and extremism in West Asia, such as sectarianism, political instability, socio-economic grievances, foreign intervention, etc. Also, mention the different approaches adopted by the West Asian countries to deal with this problem, such as military, political, ideological, or developmental. Then, explain how India can effectively cooperate with the West Asian countries to counter this threat, by suggesting some specific measures or initiatives, such as intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism cooperation, dialogue and mediation, cultural and educational exchanges, development assistance, etc. Provide examples or evidence to support your arguments. βConclusion: Summarize the main points of your answer, and restate your position on how India can effectively cooperate with West Asian countries to counter radicalization and extremism. You can also mention some challenges or limitations that may hinder this cooperation, and suggest some ways to overcome them. |
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