The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed the official withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, effective January 29, 2025.
ECOWAS spokesperson, Joel Ahofodji, announced the development on Wednesday, stating that the decision aligns with the authority of ECOWAS and is taken in the spirit of regional solidarity and the interest of the people. He, however, noted that the union remains open to their return at any time.
The commission called on relevant authorities to acknowledge and continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo from the three countries until further notice. It also urged compliance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies for goods and services from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Additionally, ECOWAS emphasized that citizens of the three nations should still be allowed visa-free movement, residence, and establishment in member states in line with existing ECOWAS protocols. They also assured full cooperation with ECOWAS officials from the affected countries in their community-related duties.
“These arrangements will remain in place until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government finalizes future engagement modalities with the three countries,” Ahofodji said. “This message is necessary to prevent confusion and disruptions in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”
The three nations initially announced their intention to exit ECOWAS on January 29, 2024, triggering a one-year withdrawal process as stipulated in the ECOWAS’ protocol.
In December 2024, the ECOWAS Authority approved their departure while reiterating that the door remains open for them to return in the future.