Explanation

(i) Military intervention in politics - West Africa is still bedeviled by military coups. This is seen as a major problem to the community's quest for good and democratic governance.

(ii) Language barrier: Member states are polarized into English, French and Portuguese languages. This is seen as a barrier to the unity of the peoples of the sub-region.

(iii) Fear of domination: Some of the smaller nations have great feat that big nations in the community might dominate them. Hence, there is mutual suspicion among them.

(iv) Influence of foreign powers and ex-colonial masters. Members states depend on them economically.

(v) Differences in currency: Different currencies create barriers in the exchange of goods and services in the sub-region.

(vi) Communication problems: Lack of good road network, railway, etc are barriers to economic integration.

(vii) Economic migrants: Citizens of the economically disadvantaged states migrate to the economically advantaged ones.

(viii) Inter-state conflict: Inter-state boundary disputes often slow down unity and cooperation within the community.

(ix) Interference in the internal affairs of member states e.g. Senegal and The Gambia over the Cassamance region of Senegal.

(x) Inadequate fund due to non-payment of dues by some member states.

(xi) Low commitment of some political leaders to the ideals of ECOWAS.

(xii) Influx of refugees lead to social, economic and political problems in the host countries.

(xiii) Increase in smuggling and illegal trafficking of people and goods.

(xiv) Similarity of products reduces the chances of the desired economic integration.

(xv) Existence of rival sub-regional organizations e.g. Mano River Union, CEAO, etc.

(xvi) ECOWAS has neither standing army nor any other effective instrument of coercion.

(xvii) Natural disaster like flooding, drought, famine, etc cause great problems to ECOWAS.

(xviii) Ethnic and religious conflicts. These also cause a great deal of problems to ECOWAS. 
 

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