The New ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Strategy and Arms Trade Treaty

Abstract

It is yet to be understood as to what is the right thing to do to control a global menace, which systematically uses violence to create a general climate of fear in a population with the hope of achieving some particular political objective. This global phenomenon, known today as terrorism, has been practiced by political organizations of diverse orientations and objectives, by nationalistic and religious groups, by revolutionaries, and even by state institutions such as armies, intelligence services, and police. In effect, terrorism appears to be an enduring feature of political life. The search for solution has given sleepless nights to both scholars, state functionaries, and even many victims of the attack. Many experts nonetheless, question the credibility of defeating the terrorists by attacking them. Their fear is based on the high costs involved in countering terrorism. Certainly, proposals for an effective and just response to this global problem differ as do the recommendations about how to get the world safer for human habitation. It is in response to this global search for solution to a problem that has plagued West Africa that this study undertakes to examine how the United Nations Arms Trade Treaty can help the New ECOWAS Counter Terrorism Strategy to achieve its goals.