Regional Organizations and Opportunity in Nigeria
Abstract
In its ongoing effort to support regional stability in western Africa, AFRICOM must balance regional organizational support with traditional bilateral assistance mechanisms to develop a sound relationship with the Nigerian security establishment. Nigeria is a critical actor in Sub-Saharan Africa that is plagued by internal and external security threats that require ongoing stability operations to manage or overcome. In addition, Nigeria exerts influential leadership in stability operations in Africa, particularly in the western region. The African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) are intergovernmental organizations that have developed ambitious peace and security agendas. While both fill a niche that the United Nations is either unable or unwilling to fill, ECOWAS has a greater vested interest in western Africa and is therefore the most likely and most effective actor in that operational environment. AFRICOM, as the U.S. Geographic Combatant Command with responsibility for western Africa, is philosophically aligned with both Nigerian and IGO stability operations imperatives. However, AFRICOM is challenged in its ability to engage directly with the IGOs, something that it must be able to do if it is to have a significant role across the spectrum of Nigerian and regional security operations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 02, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA570199
Entities
People
- Anthony L. Allou Iii
Organizations
- Naval War College