ECOWAS Acknowledges Mali, Niger, And Burkina Faso’s Exit, Approves Visa-Free Travel

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has recognized the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.

Their exit took effect on January 29, 2025, following the completion of a one-year notice period.

Despite their withdrawal, ECOWAS has urged its member states to continue recognizing passports from the three countries that bear the ECOWAS logo, emphasizing regional solidarity.

In an statement, ECOWAS announced that it remains open to further discussions with the three nations and has advised member states to:

“a) 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.

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

“c) 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.

“d) 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.

“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,” the statement concluded.

The departure of these three nations, all led by military juntas, has created uncertainty for ECOWAS and fractured regional unity.

Their governments previously cited ECOWAS’s perceived dependence on France as a key reason for their decision to leave, instead seeking stronger ties with Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

To solidify their alliance, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a separate confederation aimed at regional cooperation.

In Niger, thousands of supporters rallied in the capital, Niamey, marching from a public square to the national assembly in support of the country’s exit from ECOWAS.

KanyiDaily recalls that ECOWAS previously dismissed accusations made by the Niger Republic, which claimed that Nigeria was involved in terrorism activities.