Influence of Military Alliances in the Regional stability.Case of MALI -Burkinafaso and Niger of ECOWAS (2020-2024)

Abstract

Military alliances play a critical role in international relations and regional stability by providing collective security, deterrence against aggression, and a framework for coordinated military action. These alliances are agreements between countries to support each other in the event of a military conflict or threat, often with the aim of enhancing their collective defense capabilities. The study aims to explore the regional alliances and the issues of stability. mentioning the ECOWAS countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The specific objectives were to analyze the role of military alliances in promoting regional stability, to examine the policies established by ECOWAS in promoting regional stability, to find out challenges that hinder the promotion of regional stability in ECOWAS members and to suggest solutions to the challenges. Secondary sources were utilized extensively; however, primary sources include UN and AU/OAU documentation and government publications, where applicable. This study was not based on fieldwork or questionnaires. A literature review underscores what research has been done, thus demonstrating how Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso sanctioned intervention and demarcating how intervention has evolved. Contemporary literature on military intervention in intrastate conflicts also informs this study The findings from this study review that peace and security sustainability can only be guaranteed when the African states employ the measures that would lead to the military alliance and stability in the area through the provision of peacekeeping and trained security personnel that would help to monitor the ECOWAS, Despite the achievements mentioned above by the ECOWAS, a few difficulties must be highlighted. For example, historically, West Africa is the most fragile region on the African Continent. There will be strife, humanitarian crises, environmental disasters, and political instability. It is highly probable that ECOWAS, with one success under its belt, will have to raise force and intervene again to restore security. Proper mechanisms for conflict resolution, management and peacebuilding to foster and promote peace within the region, transparency and accountability in governance and good leadership to foster growth and development in the region of ECOWAS community and among others.