This paper explores how the security needs of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) from 1978 to 2008 were demonstrated in the evolution of policy on conflict management mechanism. Although ECOWAS is basically an economic grouping, its desire to promote peace and stability in the overall interest of integration and cooperation for development provides a better understanding of the threat perception of member states on war and security. This perception led to the adoption of the protocols on non-aggression in 1978, the mutual assistance on defence in 1981 and the 1999 mechanism for conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and security, which influenced the security politics of ECOWAS in dealing with the range of conflicts. Based on historical analysis of events and issues arising from contested peace initiatives in the management of conflicts and civil wars in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau and Côte d'Ivoire, and the contending visions of security reform, arising from differences among member states, this paper analyses the problem of ECOWAS in achieving the vision of common security and defence, and of regional coalition for peace. This provides the opportunity for the exploration of fresh approaches to understanding conflicts and security concerns in the region.