ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an in-depth analysis of the nexus between regional conflict, peace, security, and development in Africa, drawing on the case of two African regional economic communities (RECs): the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). It provides a background to the comparative study of peacebuilding in West Africa and the Horn of Africa. In this regard, it conceptualises the linkages between regional integration and development both about the experiences of ECOWAS and IGAD and also the challenges they face. The chapter also engages the highlights of such issues based on case studies drawn from each region, and comparative studies of both critical elements of the regional development and peacebuilding nexus, while providing a broad overview of the structure and contents of the book.
