Theory question 110
ECOWASState five obstacles to the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aims and objectives.
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Any five:
1. Political instability and coups in member states.
2. Language and colonial differences (Anglophone/Francophone/Lusophone).
3. Members' loyalty to other bodies (e.g. UEMOA, ties to France).
4. Different currencies; slow progress toward a single currency.
5. Poor transport and communication links.
6. Non-payment of dues; poor funding.
7. Border closures, smuggling and restrictions on free movement.
8. Similar primary products, little intra-regional trade.
9. Fear of Nigeria's dominance.
10. Insurgency, terrorism and civil conflicts.
Note: since 2018, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger left ECOWAS in January 2025 (forming the Alliance of Sahel States), reducing membership from 15 to 12.
In 2018 ECOWAS had 15 members; it now has 12.