The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally recognized the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc, following their decision to leave last year.
West Africa has witnessed a wave of military takeovers in recent years, leading to several member states falling under military rule within the 15-nation bloc.
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” ECOWAS announced in an official statement on Wednesday.
Breakaway States Form Alternate Bloc
The three nations declared their departure from ECOWAS in January 2024, after the bloc insisted on the restoration of democratic governance in Niger following a military coup in 2023.
Rather than complying, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger formed an alternative regional alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States and introduced their own biometric passports.
ECOWAS Maintains Diplomatic Ties
Despite their official departure, ECOWAS stated on Wednesday that the remaining member states had tentatively agreed to maintain diplomatic and economic ties with the breakaway nations.
To facilitate continued cooperation, ECOWAS will:
- Recognize national passports and identity documents bearing the bloc’s logo from the departing countries.
- Allow trade to continue under existing regional agreements.
- Maintain diplomatic engagement with the three states.
Transition Period and Future Engagement
In December 2024, ECOWAS granted Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger a six-month grace period to reconsider their decision to leave the bloc.
“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 added.
As the transition unfolds, the future relationship between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States remains uncertain. However, both sides appear willing to maintain some level of cooperation in trade and diplomacy.
(Reuters)