Now no going back: Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali officially withdraw from ECOWAS

Sub-regional group directs member states to recognise national passports, identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali until further notice

Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have officially withdrawn from the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The withdrawal is sequel to the notification served on ECOWAS in January, 2024 by the trio.

The ECOWAS Commission, in a statement issued in Abuja and dated January 29, 2025, said the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January, 2025.

ECOWAS however said 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 were requested and required to recognize 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.

ECOWAS also directed member states to continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

ECOWAS also said member states should 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 added that member states should provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

“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,” ECOWAS also said.

ECOWAS stated that the Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on the 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,” ECOWAS clarified.