The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Sub-Regional Diplomatic Relations
Chapter One
Objective of the Study
The objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role, impact, and challenges of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African subregional diplomatic relations. Specifically, the study aims to achieve the following objectives:
- To elucidate the diverse roles and functions of CSOs in West African subregional diplomatic relations.
- To evaluate the impact of CSOs on diplomatic outcomes, governance structures, and policy processes within the West African sub-region.
- To identify and analyze the challenges and constraints faced by CSOs in engaging effectively in West African subregional diplomatic relations
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
OVERVIEW OF CSOs IN WEST AFRICA
This section presents an overview of the trend of CSOs’ engagement in peace and security in relations to the evolving nature of threats to peace and security in West Africa from the traditional ones of military takeovers and civil wars to new and emerging ones such as terrorism, piracy, and cybercrimes. CSOs have become actively engaged in the discourse and practice of sustainable development, peace and security. To appreciate the role of CSOs in the promotion of peace and security, this section takes a broad look at the CSOs landscape in West Africa, their strengths and successes as well as the challenges they are facing. Before delving into CSOs landscape in West Africa, it is imperative to discuss the term civil society and its application in West Africa. Broadly speaking, civil society is the multitude of non-governmental and non-market based associations around which society voluntarily organizes itself, representing a wide range of interests and ties. CIVICUS defines “civil society as the arena outside of the family, state and market that is created by individual and collective actions, organizations and institutions, to develop their common interests”. Thus, CSOs are the actors representing the interests of the society at large. This definition resonates with that of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which states that “CSOs can be defined to include all non-market and non-state organizations outside of the family in which people organize themselves to pursue shared interests in the public domain” (OECD, 2009). In addition, the World Bank (WB) uses the term CSOs to refer to the wide array of nongovernmental and not-for-profit organizations that have a presence in public life and express the interests and values of their members or others, based on ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic considerations. This definition of civil society is much broader to include political organisations. However, the term CSOs covers many different types of groups than the term ‘non-governmental organization’ (NGO) might suggest (Anheier and Themudo, 2002). According to Bond (1997), “sometimes [NGOs] have been treated as synonymous [with CSOs], and the funding of development NGOs has been rephrased as support for civil society. However, development NGOs form only one group of organizations within civil society.” There are community-based organizations and village associations, environmental groups, women’s rights groups, farmers’ associations, faith-based organizations, labour unions, cooperatives, professional associations, chambers of commerce, independent research institutes and the not-for-profit media. 16 The qualifying element for CSOs is that they should be not-for-profit and not working for government. It is argued that CSOs have been playing two significant roles in development, as change agents and as donors of aid, channels for aid and recipients of aid. As change agents and development actors CSOs are fundamental to the vibrancy of democratic rule and good governance (Open Forum, 2010a). In short, CSOs are voluntary organizations with governance and direction coming from citizens or constituency members, without significant government-controlled participation or representation.7 They vary in structure, governance, formality, and in the scale and scope of their operations and revenue. Their distinct characteristics as development actors and agent of change include voluntarism, non-partisanship, and autonomy, seeking to work and collaborate for change (Open Forum, 2010a). In West Africa like in other places, other kind of organizations have been included in the term CSOs. These are some entities in private sector, occupational organizations and those of political party affiliation. There are also NGOs led entirely by family members, blurring the lines between civil society and the family. Equally, there are CSOs that are created by individuals doing the bidding of the government in a bid to muddy the water between civil society and the state. Thus, the dynamics between civil society, government, market and the family in West Africa can be flexible and fluid. The flexibility and fluidity should be taken into consideration by ECOWAS in its decision to partner with CSOs. In this mapping exercise, the assessment of CSOs did not take the flexible and fluid characteristics into consideration given its politically sensitive nature. Consequently, it is not pivotal to have a definitive definition of civil society, but rather to understand its complexity, the roles and characteristics of its elements, as well as identify the alliances necessary for optimizing its influence on policy and development processes.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
POPULATION OF THE STUDY
According to Udoyen (2019), a study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitutes of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description.
This study was carried to examine the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Subregional Diplomatic Relations. Civil society organization, Lagos state form the population of the study.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Subregional Diplomatic Relations. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Subregional Diplomatic Relations
Summary
This study was on the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Subregional Diplomatic Relations. Three objectives were raised which included: To elucidate the diverse roles and functions of CSOs in West African subregional diplomatic relations, to evaluate the impact of CSOs on diplomatic outcomes, governance structures, and policy processes within the West African subregion and to identify and analyze the challenges and constraints faced by CSOs in engaging effectively in West African subregional diplomatic relations. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from civil society organization in Lagos state. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study on the role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Subregional Diplomatic Relations underscores the significant contributions and challenges faced by CSOs in shaping regional governance, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. Through an analysis of their roles, functions, and activities, it is evident that CSOs play pivotal roles in various thematic areas, including peacebuilding, democratization, human rights advocacy, socio-economic development, and environmental sustainability.
CSOs serve as critical intermediaries between governments, regional organizations, and grassroots communities, fostering dialogue, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for policy reforms. Their engagement enhances the effectiveness, legitimacy, and sustainability of regional diplomatic efforts, contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in West Africa.
However, the study also highlights several challenges and constraints faced by CSOs in their engagement with subregional diplomatic processes. These include limited resources, regulatory barriers, institutional capacity gaps, and political pressures. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from stakeholders to create an enabling environment for CSOs to thrive and maximize their contributions to regional governance and cooperation.
Recommendations
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proposed to enhance the role and effectiveness of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in West African Subregional Diplomatic Relations:
- Provide support for capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening the institutional capacity, leadership skills, and networking capabilities of CSOs in West Africa. This includes training programs on negotiation, conflict resolution, advocacy, and project management.
- Increase funding opportunities and resources for CSOs to implement their activities effectively. This could involve partnerships with governments, international donors, and philanthropic organizations to provide financial support, technical assistance, and in-kind resources to CSOs operating in the subregion.
- Facilitate policy dialogue platforms and mechanisms for CSOs to engage with governments, regional organizations, and other stakeholders in shaping regional policies, strategies, and initiatives. This includes promoting inclusive decision-making processes and meaningful participation of CSOs in diplomatic forums and summits.
- Advocate for legal and regulatory reforms to create an enabling environment for CSOs to operate freely and independently. This includes reforms to laws governing civil society registration, funding, and advocacy activities, as well as measures to protect the rights of CSOs and their members.
- Foster partnerships and collaboration among CSOs, governments, regional organizations, academia, and the private sector to leverage resources, expertise, and networks for collective action. This includes joint initiatives, knowledge sharing platforms, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to address common challenges and achieve shared objectives.
References
- Abdulai, A. A. (2016). The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Enhancing Democratic Governance in West Africa. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 7(3), 268-286.
- Anyangwe, E. E., & Kelly, K. J. (2018). The Role of Civil Society in Promoting Human Rights and Good Governance in West Africa. In E. E. Anyangwe & K. J. Kelly (Eds.), Civil Society and Governance in Africa (pp. 163-183). Palgrave Macmillan.
- Bathily, A. (2017). Civil Society and Peacebuilding in West Africa: Challenges and Prospects. African Security Review, 26(1), 80-95.
- De Cordier, B., & De Herdt, T. (2016). Civil Society Organizations and Human Rights Advocacy in West Africa: The Role of Networks and Coalitions. In K. Ala-Malmivaara & M. K. Haastrup (Eds.), Civil Society Organizations in African Development (pp. 183-204). Palgrave Macmillan.
- Osei-Hwedie, B. Z. (2019). Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Sustainable Development in West Africa: Challenges and Opportunities. Journal of Sustainable Development in Africa, 22(3), 59-79. Abdulai, A. A. (2016). The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Enhancing Democratic Governance in West Africa. Journal of Alternative Perspectives in the Social Sciences, 7(3), 268-286.
