CHALLENGES THAT ECOWAS HAS FACED IN ITS OPERATION

Challenges that ECOWAS has faced in its operation

1. Political instability in member states. Countries like Nigeria and Ghana have witnessed Military coups. Civil wars have been fought in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Ivory Coast. These have been a hindrance to cooperation.
2. Nationalistic issues. Most member states give priority to their domestic issues at the expense of the organization.
3. Language barrier. Countries in West Africa inherited the languages of their former colonial masters. The problem in communication has hindered the efficient operation of the organization.
4. Infrastructural problems. The state of roads, railways and communication linkages are poor. This has hampered the economic progress of member states.
5. Ideological differences. The leaders of the member states view each other with suspicion and mistrust due to differences in ideologies.
6. Lack of uniform currency. Each country has its currency. This creates a problem of rates of exchange thus hindering trade.
7. Foreign interference. The presence of Israeli and French soldiers in Cote d’Ivoire was viewed suspiciously by Guinea.
8. Border closures. For example between Ghana and Togo and between Burkina Faso and Mali.