The Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso officially left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Wednesday, following their notification to exit the group in 2024.
ECOWAS announced the formal withdrawal of the three countries from the regional intergovernmental organisation on its social media pages.
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, January 29, 2025,” the statement reads in part.
READ MORE: 1993 Treaty: Why Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso Must Remain in ECOWAS for One Year
PRESS STATEMENT The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. pic.twitter.com/3sydwMwh3R— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) January 29, 2025
However, the union said it would continue to keep its doors open and recognise national documents with the ECOWAS logo from citizens from the three countries.
It added that it would also ensure that they continue to enjoy visa-free movement.
“ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to recognise 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,” the organisation stated on Wednesday.
“They should continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy; 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.
“And they should provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.”
READ MORE: UPDATED: Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to Exit ECOWAS by 2025
On January 28, 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their withdrawal from the ECOWAS Community with immediate effect. This was on the heels of their suspension from the union after military takeovers in each country.
Their leaders, Ibrahim Traoré, Assimi Goita and Abdourahamane Tiani, said that ECOWAS had become a threat to their member states and was betraying their founding principles.
However, despite their notification to withdraw from the community, a 1993 revised ECOWAS Treaty demands that member states exiting from the group remain as members of the community for one year before completely disassociating themselves.
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