Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Officially Exit ECOWAS, Regional Bloc Keeps Borders Open

The withdrawal of these three nations marks a significant shift in the regional bloc, raising concerns about its future cohesion.

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The withdrawal of these three nations marks a significant shift in the regional bloc, raising concerns about its future cohesion.

ECOWAS, in a statement on Wednesday, 29 January 2025. however, has outlined measures to ensure minimal disruption.

“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: recognise 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,” it said.

Regarding trade relations, the statement emphasised that ECOWAS members should “continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.”

Additionally, ECOWAS assured that the affected countries’ citizens would retain their mobility rights.

“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,” it said.

The regional body also urged continued cooperation with officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

“Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community,” it said.

According to ECOWAS, these interim measures will remain in place until a long-term arrangement is finalised.

“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 regional bloc said.

To oversee this transition, the Commission has created a structure to facilitate discussions with each of the three countries.

ECOWAS stressed that this approach is “necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”