The Economic Community of West African States was established with the following aims except to

Analyze the question: This is an "EXCEPT" question. Three options are genuine aims of ECOWAS, and we must find the one that is not an original aim.

Concept: ECOWAS was founded on 28 May 1975 by the Treaty of Lagos. Its main aims were:

• Promote economic integration and cooperation among member states (trade, industry, transport, energy, agriculture, etc.)
• Raise the living standards of the people of the region
• Maintain and enhance economic stability
• Foster good relations among member states
• Contribute to the progress and development of the African continent

Checking each option:

• A. Use force to depose unconstitutional regimes: This was not a founding aim. The 1975 treaty was economic in focus. Military intervention came later through ECOMOG (1990) and the 1999 Protocol on conflict management. Even then, the purpose was peacekeeping and conflict resolution, not an original aim of "deposing regimes by force." So this is the exception.
• B. Improve the living standard of its people: This is a stated aim.
• C. Contribute to the progress and development of the African continent: This is a stated aim.
• D. Foster relations among member states: This is a stated aim.

Exam tip: In "except" questions on ECOWAS, the aims that are economic, developmental, or about cooperation are usually true. Be suspicious of options involving force, military action, or political interference. They are not original founding aims.