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ECOWAS still recognises Burkina Faso, Mali & Niger despite withdrawal

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has decided to still recognise Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger despite the withdrawal of the three countries from the West African regional body which took effect today (Thursday, January 29, 2025).

A press statement by ECOWAS indicated that the decision to still recognise the three countries was in the “spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open.”

The statement added that the three countries and their citizens would still be afforded the privileges under the ECOWAS Treaty and protocols until the determination of the modalities of the future relations between ECOWAS and the three countries.

“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period,” the statement said.

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Recognition

ECOWAS has, therefore, entreated its Member States to continue to recognise the national passports and identity cards of citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, bearing the ECOWAS logo.

Again, Member States are expected to treat goods and services from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy, and also allow the visa free movement of citizens of the three countries, as well as the right to residence and establishment in line with ECOWAS protocols.
 
“Member States are further required to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community,” the statement added.
 
Background

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger run by military juntas following coup d’états in the respective countries, decided to exit ECOWAS after refusing the 15-mmeber economic grouping demands to restore democratic rule, and gave notice on January 29 2023 to withdraw in a year, in line with the timelines stipulated by ECOWAS for members that decide to withdraw.

The three departing countries, which were founding members of ECOWAS in 1975, a sub-regional body meant to promote economic integration in West Africa, have formed a new bloc known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

At the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS in Abuja in December 2024, leaders of ECOWAS countries said they respected the decision of the three countries to withdraw, but offered a transitional period of six months.

During the transitional period from today, January 25, 2025 to July 29, 2025, the three countries can be readmitted into ECOWAS.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, reiterated the commitment and willingness of ECOWAS to continue to engage with the three countries during the transitional period.

He further stated that the mandates of President Bassirou Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo have been extended to help in efforts to mediate with the three countries.

Coup d’états

In recent times, West Africa has been plagued by coup d’états.  On July 26, 2023, soldiers led by General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the Head of the Presidential guard ousted President Mohamed Bazoum of Niger.

With regard to Burkina Faso, on September 30, 2022, a coup led to the removal of interim leader, Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who had himself come to power in a coup just eight months earlier, with Captain Ibrahim Traore taking over.

In Mali, President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta was ousted on August 18, 2020, while on September 5, 2021, the President of Guinea, Alpha Conde was overthrown and detained by a group of soldiers led by Mamady Doumbouya.

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