AES Border Remains Visa Free for ECOWAS Nationals Despite Withdrawal from Bloc

The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) has declared its borders open to nationals of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), creating a visa-free zone across its territories.

This decision signed in Bamako by Army General Assimi Goïta, President of the Malian Transition and head of the AES, shows the Confederation’s commitment to regional integration and African solidarity, even as its members formally withdraw from ECOWAS.

The declaration ensures ECOWAS nationals can enter, reside, establish businesses, and travel freely within AES Member States without needing visas. While nationals of ECOWAS states are welcomed with open borders, AES Member States retain the authority to enforce existing national laws, including the right to deny entry to individuals deemed inadmissible.

This decision according to AES is rooted in the principles outlined in the 2023 Liptako-Gourma Charter, which established the Confederation of Sahel States. By implementing visa-free access for ECOWAS nationals, the AES underscores its commitment to the African Union’s vision of regional integration and to fostering solidarity between African peoples.

Despite their withdrawal from ECOWAS, AES Member States have reiterated their commitment to African unity and integration.

President of the Confederation, Goïta stressed the importance of this declaration in the regional integration process.

“The AES, as a political and economic project, embodies our common desire to make the free movement and unity of African peoples fundamental priorities,” he said.

It will be recalled that the Bureau of the ECOWAS Parliament released a statement urging AES members to extend the timeline for their formal withdrawal. The Bureau advocated for dialogue and reconciliation while expressing its commitment to ensuring the smooth adoption of the Community’s budget to support ongoing regional development initiatives. However, their statement has been met with a reaffirmation from the AES to withdraw on the set deadline.

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