The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially confirmed the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, effective January 29, 2025.
Despite their exit, ECOWAS has announced measures to maintain economic and social ties with the three countries, ensuring minimal disruption to trade, travel, and diplomatic engagements.
In a press statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission, the organization emphasized its commitment to keeping its “doors open” to the departing nations in the spirit of regional solidarity.
Authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States have been requested to continue recognizing the passports and identity cards of citizens from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, allowing them to travel freely within the region.
Additionally, ECOWAS has urged member states to uphold trade agreements under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies, ensuring that goods and services from the three countries are treated as before.
Citizens of the three nations will also continue to enjoy visa-free movement, residence, and business establishment rights in ECOWAS countries in accordance with existing protocols, until further notice.
The statement further called for full cooperation with ECOWAS officials from the departing countries, emphasizing that these measures are temporary as discussions on future engagements between ECOWAS and the three nations continue.
The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger follows their military-led governments’ growing divergence from ECOWAS policies, particularly after facing sanctions due to political instability.
The bloc has now set up a structure to facilitate talks on how to redefine relations with the three nations moving forward.
Below is the full press statement:
