Regional Integration in West Africa: The Mano River Union in Focus

Abstract

The paper explored regional integration process among the Mano River Union (MRU) member countries using the Neo-functionalist approach to region integration. It adopted the qualitative research method and obtained its data from the secondary sources. These include textbooks, articles, journals, dissertations, news papers and magazines as well as internet materials. The analysis of the study was based on content analysis. The findings indicated that the Mano River Union has recorded some degree of achievements among its members. These achievements include the promotion of intra-trade and other related activities among member states; provision of infrastructure like roads, bridges; capacity development across member states etcetera. The Union also has faced challenges ranging from insecurity, huge indebtedness, outbreak of diseases such as ebola virus, lack of befitting accommodation for the Union Secretariat, general poverty among member states etcetera. On the theoretical perspective, the findings showed that some of the tenets of neo-functionalism found relevance in the formation and functions of the Mano River Union. Thus, the themes of limited objective, spill over, the role of non-state actors and the importance of State actors in the integration process all correspond with the formation and operations of the Mano River Union. Recommendations among others include: The member states should work hard to settle all the current debts and avoid incurring new ones; the joint committee established following the expanded mandate of the Union should be supported with all necessary requirements to function well. Intelligent and information sharing and gathering among the member states should be promoted; The rates of intra-trade among members appears good, effort should be made to encourage more trade in different items among members states; More strategies be adopted in partnership with other countries and international organizations to enhance security, peace and stability in the region etcetera.,