The three military-led nations in West Africa – Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso – have formally exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This announcement was made by the regional organization in a statement released on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

In the statement on Wednesday, ECOWAS indicated that while the withdrawal of the three nations is effective immediately, it remains open to dialogue in the spirit of regional unity and in the best interests of the citizens.

As such, it urged member nations to “recognize national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo issued to the residents of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.”

Additionally, it requested that members continue to treat products and services originating from the three nations in alignment with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies.

“Permit citizens of these three nations to maintain their rights to visa-free travel, residence, and establishment in accordance with ECOWAS protocols until further notice,” it emphasized.

Furthermore, it called on members to sustain their full support and cooperation for ECOWAS officials from the three countries during their assignments for the Community.

“These arrangements will remain in effect until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government fully determines the modalities for future dealings with the three nations,” the statement detailed.

The Commission has established a framework to facilitate discussions on these processes with each of the three countries.

It noted that the statement was essential to prevent confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of the people during this transitional period.

The three junta-led nations officially informed ECOWAS of their intent to “immediately” withdraw in January 2024, citing the organization’s perceived over-reliance on France specifically.

Paris has become the common adversary for the three juntas, which now prefer collaborations with nations such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

However, ECOWAS mandated a notice period of one year for the departure to take effect — a deadline that fell on Wednesday.

The three Sahelian nations have allied to create a distinct confederation known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Naijaeyes Report