Since the decolonisation process in the continent began after World War II, West Africa stands out as the only zone of ‘negative’ peace. This terminology merely implies that the formal absence of international wars has been precariously maintained on an unstable basis by threats, deterrence, and/or a lack of will or capability to enter into interstate hostilities. Leaving aside the liberation struggle waged by Guinea-Bissau against Portugal 1965–74, and with the exception of a very brief armed conflict between Mali and Burkina Faso, there have been no wars among the 16 member-states of the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), which is quite remarkable given the region's multi-ethnic and multinational character, and the persistence of numerous territorial disputes. This starkly contrasts with widespread internal violence, military coups, and virulent civil wars, notably in Nigeria 1967–70, Liberia 1990–6, and Sierra Leone 1993–6. As the title of this article implies, the convoluted reality of West Africa can be characterised by relative international peace, in contrast to domestic conflicts.