Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso officially withdraw from ECOWAS

Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally exited the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc, following a one-year mandatory notice which was given on 28 January 2024. The three countries said it was a “sovereign decision” to withdraw from ECOWAS despite being founding members when it was established in 1975.

The West African bloc had suspended the three military-led West African nations from the bloc after they formed the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) following their respective coups.

Despite suspension from the bloc, sanctions, negotiations and threats of military intervention, the military leaders have hardened their stance, accusing the bloc of being influenced by external powers. The three countries have since distanced themselves from former colonial power France and strengthened ties with Russia.

What this means for the citizens of the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS) 

In the spirit of regional solidarity and the people’s interest, the ECOWAS authority decided to keep their doors open, requesting member nations to continue to accord the three countries membership privileges. The remaining member states are to;

  • Recognise National passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
  • 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 bloc’s protocols until further notice.
  • Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

These arrangements will be in place until the ECOWAS authority and the Sahel countries agree on the modalities of future engagement.

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