The bloc stated that, despite the withdrawal, it would maintain cooperative ties with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger while discussions on future engagements continue.
Abuja – The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially taken effect today (January 29), marking a significant shift in the regional bloc’s structure. However, ECOWAS has announced temporary measures to prevent disruption in trade, travel, and diplomatic engagements between the three countries and its remaining member states.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
In a statement issued on Monday, ECOWAS emphasized its commitment to regional solidarity and ensuring minimal disruption for citizens and businesses. The bloc stated that, despite the withdrawal, it would maintain cooperative ties with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger while discussions on future engagements continue.
Temporary Measures for Citizens and Trade
To ensure a smooth transition, ECOWAS has urged all relevant authorities within and outside its member states to recognize national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice; continue treating goods and services from the three countries under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy; allow citizens of these countries to enjoy visa-free movement, residence, and establishment rights in line with ECOWAS protocols and provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in carrying out their duties.
These measures, ECOWAS noted, will remain in effect until the bloc’s Authority of Heads of State and Government determines the modalities for future engagement with the three nations. A dedicated structure has been established to facilitate discussions on these matters.
“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 statement said. “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.”
Avoiding Disruptions Amid Political Tensions
The departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS follows months of political tension, particularly concerning their military-led governments and disagreements over regional governance policies. The decision to leave the bloc was announced in 2024, with the three nations citing a need for greater autonomy in their political and economic affairs.
Despite their exit, ECOWAS has reassured citizens and businesses that it remains open to dialogue, stating that these temporary measures are essential to “avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”
The coming months will be crucial in determining how relations between ECOWAS and the three Sahelian nations evolve, particularly in areas of trade, security cooperation, and regional integration.
