ECOWAS Confirms Exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Allows Free Movement

By Gloria Ikibah

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally acknowledged the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, effective Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

Despite their exit, ECOWAS has directed member states to continue allowing free movement for citizens of the three countries.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and solidarity, emphasizing that its doors remain open in the interest of the people.

Member states have been instructed to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice. Additionally, trade and investment relations with the three countries will proceed under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

This decision reflects ECOWAS’s intent to maintain economic and social ties despite the political shift, ensuring minimal disruption for the region’s citizens and businesses.

The statement reads in part: “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”.

The Commission further urged members to continue providing 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 statement clarified.

The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

It said the statement was necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of the people during this transition period.

Citizens of the three countries took to the street on Tuesday to celebrate their exit from ECOWAS which they have accused of protecting the interest of France.

The three countries have since established their own body named the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) and are set to launch their own uniform passport.