The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that military-controlled Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have officially pulled out of the regional body as members.
The President ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, announced the development at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja, Nigeria.
Touray, however, said despite the withdrawal, citizens of the three countries with ECOWAS passports would continued to be recognised and granted free movement by member States.
He explained that the regional economic body would be pleased to readmit them upon democratic regime and willingness to join the body in future.
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:
“a) recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
“b) continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
“c) allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
“d) provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.”
Dr. Touray hinted that ECOWAS leadership was already making arrangements on modalities for future engagements with the exiting member States.
The Commission President assured that staff from exiting member States would continue to work with ECOWAS pending decisions from Heads of State and members.
Touray assured that the regional body will continue to prioritise security concerns and trade within the bloc and the exing members in overall good of the region.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period”, he added
