AN ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S PEACEKEEPING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECOWAS: A CASE STUDY OF THE ECOMOG MISSION IN LIBERIA

AN ASSESSMENT OF NIGERIA’S PEACEKEEPING CONTRIBUTIONS TO ECOWAS: A CASE STUDY OF THE ECOMOG MISSION IN LIBERIA

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Peacekeeping has emerged as a pivotal instrument for managing conflicts and promoting regional stability in West Africa. Among the key players in regional peacekeeping initiatives, Nigeria has consistently taken a frontline role, particularly through its involvement in Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) operations. The ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), established in the early 1990s, represented one of the most significant multilateral military responses to civil conflict in West Africa, and Nigeria’s role in the ECOMOG mission in Liberia stands as a hallmark of its peacekeeping legacy in the region (Adebajo, 2002).

Liberia descended into a brutal civil war in 1989, which quickly destabilized the region. The situation prompted ECOWAS to deploy ECOMOG forces in 1990 to prevent a total collapse of governance and to restore peace. Nigeria contributed over 70% of the troops, equipment, and logistical support, bearing the financial and human cost of the intervention (Sesay, 2002). This bold commitment was driven by Nigeria’s perceived regional leadership responsibility and its interest in promoting stability in a neighboring state with historical and political ties. Moreover, Nigeria’s involvement was both a reflection of its foreign policy agenda underpinned by African solidarity and a practical measure to curtail the spillover effects of the Liberian crisis, including refugee influxes and arms proliferation (Ogunsanwo, 1994).

Although ECOMOG managed to broker temporary ceasefires and facilitated the 1997 elections that brought Charles Taylor to power, the mission was not without controversy. Nigeria's heavy involvement attracted criticism regarding unilateralism, military conduct, and the sustainability of peace efforts. Some analysts also questioned the cost-benefit ratio of Nigeria’s peacekeeping diplomacy, citing issues of overstretched resources and limited international support (Aning, 2005). These debates highlight the complex dynamics of Nigeria’s peacekeeping efforts within ECOWAS and raise important questions about the effectiveness, motivations, and implications of such interventions.

This study seeks to critically assess Nigeria's peacekeeping contributions to ECOWAS using the ECOMOG mission in Liberia as a case study. It will examine Nigeria’s strategic objectives, the operational challenges faced, and the outcomes of the intervention. The study will also explore the broader implications for regional security governance and Nigeria’s foreign policy direction.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite Nigeria’s active engagement in peacekeeping operations across Africa, there remains a limited understanding of the specific dynamics, outcomes, and national interests underpinning these interventions. The ECOMOG mission in Liberia is often celebrated for its role in halting the civil war, yet there is insufficient empirical assessment of Nigeria’s actual contributions, both material and strategic. While Nigeria invested heavily in human and financial resources, questions persist regarding the long-term impact of the intervention on Liberia’s stability and on Nigeria’s regional standing.

Furthermore, criticisms have emerged over the lack of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s peacekeeping expenditures, the disproportionate burden borne by Nigeria compared to other ECOWAS members, and the unclear domestic benefits derived from such interventions. Analysts also point out that while Nigeria's leadership in ECOMOG boosted its diplomatic clout in the 1990s, it may have simultaneously overextended its military and economic capacity, undermining internal development priorities (Abiodun, 2017).

A comprehensive evaluation of Nigeria’s role in the ECOMOG mission is therefore necessary. Such an assessment will contribute to a better understanding of the strategic calculus behind Nigeria’s peacekeeping initiatives, the effectiveness of ECOWAS-led operations, and the lessons that can inform future regional interventions. It will also offer insights into how Nigeria’s regional engagements align with its national interests and international obligations.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

To examine Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions to ECOWAS during the ECOMOG mission in Liberia.

To assess the strategic, political, and operational challenges encountered by Nigeria during the mission.

To evaluate the impact of Nigeria’s involvement on regional stability and its foreign policy objectives.

1.4 Research Questions

What were the nature and extent of Nigeria’s peacekeeping contributions during the ECOMOG mission in Liberia?

What challenges did Nigeria face in its peacekeeping role in Liberia?

How did Nigeria’s participation in the mission influence regional security and its foreign policy posture?

1.5 Research Hypotheses

H0₁: Nigeria’s peacekeeping involvement in the ECOMOG mission had no significant impact on regional security in West Africa.

H0₂: Nigeria’s contributions to the ECOMOG mission did not significantly enhance its foreign policy objectives in the ECOWAS region.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study is significant for several stakeholders. For scholars and researchers, it contributes to the growing body of literature on regional peacekeeping and African diplomacy. For policymakers and diplomats, it provides empirical evidence to support more effective and sustainable peacekeeping strategies. For ECOWAS institutions, the study offers insights that may guide future missions and resource allocations. Lastly, the findings can help reframe Nigeria’s foreign policy within the context of its regional responsibilities and domestic priorities.

 

1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focuses exclusively on Nigeria’s contributions to the ECOWAS peacekeeping operation in Liberia under the ECOMOG framework between 1990 and 1997. It does not cover Nigeria’s broader peacekeeping roles in other African countries. Limitations include restricted access to classified military records and the potential bias of retrospective accounts from stakeholders involved in the mission.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

Peacekeeping: The deployment of international or regional forces to conflict zones to maintain or restore peace.

ECOMOG: The ECOWAS Monitoring Group, a multilateral armed force deployed by ECOWAS during the Liberian Civil War.

Foreign Policy: A country's strategies in dealing with other nations, especially concerning diplomacy, trade, and security.

Regional Stability: The maintenance of peace, order, and predictable governance in a specific geographic region, in this case, West Africa.

1.9 Structure of the Study

This study is divided into five chapters. Chapter One presents the introduction. Chapter Two reviews relevant literature and theoretical frameworks. Chapter Three outlines the research methodology. Chapter Four presents data analysis and findings. Chapter Five offers a summary, conclusion, and recommendations.

References

Abiodun, F. (2017). Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa: Lessons from ECOMOG in Liberia. African Journal of Political Science and International Relations, 11(3), 56–65.

Adebajo, A. (2002). Building peace in West Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissau. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers.

Aning, K. (2005). The political economy of conflict in Liberia. Accord, 16, 19–25.

Ogunsanwo, A. (1994). Nigeria’s peacekeeping mission in Liberia. Nigerian Forum, 15(4), 125–140.

Sesay, A. (2002). Regional security and the African state system: The ECOWAS experience. Ife: Obafemi Awolowo University Press.