Theory question 115
West Africa and ECOWAS(a) Outline any three achievements of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) since its formation
(b) What five problems are facing the ECOWAS in the achievement of its objectives?
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(a) Protocol on free movement of persons (visa-free entry for 90 days); reduction of some tariffs/trade liberalisation; ECOWAS Fund and Bank for development projects; regional roads (Trans-West African highway) and telecommunications; ECOMOG peace-keeping (Liberia, Sierra Leone); ECOWAS travel certificate; cultural and sporting exchanges
(b) Different currencies and exchange problems; language barriers (English/French/Portuguese); members producing similar goods; political instability and coups; failure to pay dues; loyalty to other groupings (e.g. CEAO) and former colonial powers; poor transport links; smuggling and border closures
List real achievements, not aims.