Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) became official on 29 January 2025. The announcement was made at a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria, by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray.
Dr Touray referenced the decision taken by the Heads of State and Government at their 66th session on 15 December 2024 in Abuja to allow a six-month period for dialogue with the three states. He confirmed that official letters had been sent to each state, acknowledging their decision to withdraw and proposing a technical meeting to establish separation modalities.
Pending this meeting, ECOWAS has introduced temporary measures to maintain regional solidarity and safeguard citizens’ interests. National identity cards and passports bearing the ECOWAS logo, held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, will remain valid until further notice. Goods and services from these countries will continue to be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and ECOWAS Investment Policy. Citizens of these states will retain their right to movement, residence, and establishment without visas under the regional organisation’s protocols. Authorities have also been instructed to support ECOWAS officials from these three states in their missions.
Dr Touray stated that these measures would remain in force until ECOWAS Heads of State and Government finalise the future framework of relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
Following the presentation, journalists raised questions about the status of officials from the three countries within ECOWAS, the potential for future collaboration, the likelihood of any of these states rejoining ECOWAS, and the possibility of other member states leaving. Additional concerns included the impact on the free movement of people, goods, and services at the end of the six-month transition, as well as regional security challenges, particularly regarding terrorism.
Dr Touray reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to unity, describing it as a community and a family that would continue to work together despite current challenges. He also urged the media to relay information objectively to prevent misinformation that could harm the organisation’s reputation.
The press conference was attended by the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mme Damtien Larbli Tchintchibidja, the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mme Massandjé Touré-Litsé, and the Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nazifi Abdullahi Darma.
