State five obstacles to the implementation of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aims and objectives.

Answer Details

Five obstacles to the implementation of ECOWAS aims and objectives

1. Language and colonial differences: The division of member states into Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone blocs breeds mutual suspicion and hampers cooperation.
2. Continued attachment to former colonial masters: Many Francophone states remain economically and politically tied to France, which weakens their commitment to the regional body.
3. Political instability: Frequent military coups, civil wars and insecurity in member states disrupt regional programmes and divert resources into peace-keeping (e.g. ECOMOG).
4. Similar (competitive) rather than complementary economies: Most members produce and export the same primary raw materials, so there is little to trade among themselves, limiting intra-regional commerce.
5. Inadequate funding and non-payment of dues: Member states often fail to pay their financial contributions, starving the community of the funds needed to run its programmes.

(Others: poor transport and communication links, protectionist trade barriers, and lack of a strong common currency.)