Regional Economic Groupings and security challenges : a comparative study of ECOWAS and SADC

Abstract: Amidst the demanding need for economic integration, the pressure for security is always present. The several dimensions of security have also suffered a paradigmatic shift, especially in the context of upsurge in global terrorism, and several human security challenges. The article contextually addresses the contending issues and comparatively analyzes the similarities and differences in both regions: West Africa and Southern Africa. The functionalist approach is applied in the explanations of the circumstances that led to the establishment of ECOWAS and SADC as Regional Economic Groupings. Data for the research were adapted from secondary sources; published works, from libraries, internet sources and archival materials. The comparative method brings the strategic issues in security management in both regions into focus, and the significance in emulating or learning from each other, with a view to finding common ground in the amelioration of the real security challenges