EU, ECOWAS and electoral observation in West Africa

Something might change in West Africa during the next two years. On 28 March 2015, one of the most influential countries of this continent succeeded in its electoral gamble, projecting itself toward a pacific and ordered democratic alternation. This is a historical step for Nigeria, which is also the predominant ECOWAS Member State. The latter, by extension, could benefit from such a success. Very active in the area of electoral observation, ECOWAS missions could now enjoy a growing authority when they will deploy in other Member States. A new wind is blowing from Western Africa, at a time when this region is about to face eight other presidential consultations in the coming couple of years. The EU, a traditional partner of African democratic transitions, should take advantage of it.

(Photo crédit: EUEOM)