Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Officially Leave ECOWAS, As Regional Bloc Urges Member States to Maintain Ties

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), effective from today January 29, 2024. However, ECOWAS has announced measures to ensure continuity in relations.

In a statement, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to regional solidarity and the welfare of citizens within the bloc, stating it will “keep its doors open” to the three countries during this transition period. The organisation emphasised the importance of avoiding disruptions to the lives of citizens and businesses in the region.

ECOWAS officials from the three countries will continue to receive full support and cooperation in carrying out their duties for the community.

ECOWAS clarified that these arrangements will remain in effect until the bloc’s Authority of Heads of State and Government finalises modalities for future relations with the three countries.

The Commission has also established a structure to facilitate discussions with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger on their exit process and future engagement.

The decision by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to leave ECOWAS was announced by the ECOWAS Commission President, Alieu Touray, on December 15, 2024. Their withdrawal comes after the establishment of the Confederation of Sahel States (CSS), which seeks to enhance integration within the Sahel region.

It will be recalled that the CSS introduced its regional passport effective January 29, 2025. Citizens of AES member states can continue using ECOWAS passports until expiration, while new AES passports will be issued as replacements. This transition aims to streamline the movement of people and goods within the AES framework.

CSS also announced plans to establish a Regional Investment Bank. This decision was taken during a ministerial meeting of the AES held in Bamako on January 16, 2025. Other key decisions from the session include launching transformative infrastructure projects across member states.

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