Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’s Exit from ECOWAS Becomes Effective
By: Zagazola Makama
The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially taken effect today, January 29, 2025.
Despite their departure, ECOWAS has announced temporary measures to minimize disruptions in regional movement, trade, and diplomatic relations.
According to a statement from the ECOWAS Commission, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS must continue to recognize national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for citizens of the three countries until further notice.
The regional body also directed that: Goods and services from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger should continue to be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies
Citizens of the three countries should retain their visa-free movement, residence, and establishment rights in ECOWAS member states. ECOWAS officials from the affected countries should receive full support and cooperation while on duty for the regional body.
ECOWAS emphasized that these provisions would remain in place until the Authority of Heads of State and Government finalizes the modalities for future engagement with the three countries. The Commission has also established a framework for dialogue with the governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to determine the next steps.
The decision to maintain certain privileges for the citizens of the three countries, ECOWAS noted, aligns with the spirit of regional solidarity and the welfare of West Africans to prevent disruptions to daily life and business activities.
