ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolution of sub-regional mechanisms for peacekeeping, conflict management and stabilisation capacity. It begins with a focus on West Africa, as the new theatre of violent intra-state conflicts and state collapse in Africa. The chapter explores how identity- and resource-based intra-state wars and armed conflicts, or the so-called 'new wars' and post-Cold War armed conflicts in Africa have created a range of opportunities and challenges for different types of interventions to contain, stabilise and manage these conflicts. The geo-political and social construction of West Africa reflects the diversity and complexity of the sub-region. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emerged as the most developed and complex sub-regional organisation in comparison with other regional economic communities in Africa. Nigeria, the sub-regional hegemon, was instrumental in the formation of ECOWAS and provided the politico-economic leadership in the efforts to develop a regional collective peace and security system in West Africa.
