Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), marking a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape.
ECOWAS confirmed the departure of the three military-led nations in an official statement released on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. This move concludes a year-long effort by the bloc to persuade the countries to reconsider their decision.
Despite the withdrawal taking immediate effect, ECOWAS emphasized its commitment to regional solidarity and the well-being of the people. The organization assured that citizens of the departing nations would still be able to use ECOWAS passports and identity cards, at least for the time being.
Additionally, member states have been urged to continue recognizing goods and services from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
The statement further reaffirmed that citizens from the three countries would retain their rights to visa-free travel, residency, and business operations in ECOWAS member states until further notice. Furthermore, officials from Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso assigned to ECOWAS will still receive support in carrying out their duties.
“These measures will remain in place until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government finalizes the framework for future relations with the three countries,” the statement read.
To facilitate this transition, ECOWAS has established a special committee to engage in discussions with the governments of the departing nations. The organization stressed that these arrangements were necessary to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses during the transition period.
The decision to withdraw was initially announced in January 2024, when the three military governments formally informed ECOWAS of their intent to leave the bloc immediately. Their departure was driven by concerns over ECOWAS’s perceived reliance on France, a stance that has united the juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. These governments have since pursued alliances with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.
Per ECOWAS regulations, a one-year notice was required before the withdrawal could take effect. That deadline expired on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
As an alternative to ECOWAS, the three nations have forged their own regional alliance, known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
In Niger’s capital, Niamey, thousands of people, led by military officials, rallied in a show of support for the withdrawal, gathering at a central square before marching towards the national assembly.
