Publication

This paper examines the reasons for institutionalizing a mediation support structure (MFD) within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission. More precisely, the text’s author details 1) the history and legal-normative bases of ECOWAS' mediation organs; 2) the rigorous and consultative process that gave birth to the MFD; and 3) the latter’s mandate, vision, and scope of operations. For the MFD to truly succeed, however, ECOWAS needs to prioritize its budgets and mobilize additional financial and technical resources from outside its system.