A new book titled “The Evolving ECOWAS Normative Architecture and Contemporary International Law: A Case Study of Pro-Democracy Intervention in The Gambia” was launched on April 17th, 2024, at Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
The book, authored by Dr. Senalor K. Yawlui, a Ghanaian diplomat and scholar, delves into the evolving legal framework of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its role in promoting democracy and peace in the region.
Dr. Yawlui, currently serving as Deputy Head of Mission/Permanent Representative of Ghana to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), identifies a gap in the current scholarship on international law as it applies to ECOWAS. His book aims to bridge this gap by offering a comprehensive analysis of the organization’s transformation from a primarily economic body to a multifaceted organization championing human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
Professor Kwame Appiaagyei-Atua, a senior law lecturer at the University of Ghana, praised the book for its thorough examination of ECOWAS’s institutional development. He highlighted how the book showcases the organization’s response to conflict situations across Africa, underscoring its growing role as a key component of the continent’s broader Peace and Security Architecture.pen_spark
Professor Appiaagyei-Atua further noted the book’s exploration of the complex interplay between pro-democracy interventions, the prohibition of force under the UN Charter, and the evolving Responsibility to Protect (R2P) norm. This analysis sheds light on how ECOWAS navigates the changing landscape of international law, where respect for human rights increasingly challenges traditional notions of state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, commended Dr. Yawlui for the publication. He recommended the book to policymakers, academics, diplomats, and students seeking to understand contemporary issues in international law, particularly as they relate to the ECOWAS region.
Dr. Yawlui expressed his hope that the book will serve as a valuable resource for a wide audience, including policymakers, scholars, and students, contributing to a deeper understanding of ECOWAS’s crucial role in fostering peace and stability in West Africa.