Foreign Policy of African States, Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This paper is design to investigate Africa foreign policy objectives under the auspices of ECOWAS. Over the years West Africa countries through ECOWAS spelt out her objectives, with the view to achieve African collective identity. The paper interrogates how has ECOWAS through her foreign policy objectives were able to maintain peace among the members States; with the view to reveal her underlying diplomatic activities in resolving social crime in Africa. The paper discusses how ECOWAS decision making structure, constituted challenges to Africa foreign policy. The paper also identifies measures to end these challenges. The study adopts historical-descriptive exposition, which benefited from the available textbooks, journal, annual report and newspapers. The study utilized Instrumentalist theory. The theory indicates how States in capitalist societies were regard as servant of ruling class. The theory denies the fact that the state enjoyed autonomy, simply because Africa States lacks autonomy to protect public interest due to strong allegiances to wealthy countries for economic and military aid; while dictating what to do to merit the aid. The study finds that Africa foreign policy makers often interpret her national interest purely on political strategic interest, African unity, independence and regional economic cooperation. The study recommends that Africa foreign policy should build effective political leadership, strong economic base and military capacity to securing her expectation and goals.