Gambiaj.com – (Abuja, Nigeria) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc has officially taken effect as of today. However, in an effort to mitigate disruption for citizens and businesses, ECOWAS has announced transitional measures that will allow for the continued recognition of key regional agreements while discussions on future relations proceed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to regional solidarity, emphasizing that its doors remain open for dialogue with the three Sahel nations. The regional bloc has called on all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS member states to adhere to the transitional measures on travel documents, trade and investment, and support for ECOWAS officials until further notice.
This means that citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger holding ECOWAS-branded national passports and identity cards will continue to have their documents recognized across the region. Nationals of these countries will retain their rights to visa-free travel, residence, and establishment in ECOWAS territories in accordance with existing protocols.
Goods and services from the three countries will still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies to prevent economic disruptions.
Another measure is about the citizens from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger serving as ECOWAS officials. They will be granted full cooperation in carrying out their community assignments.
ECOWAS emphasized that these arrangements are temporary and will remain in place until the bloc’s Heads of State and Government determine the modalities of future engagement with the three nations. The ECOWAS Commission has established a dedicated structure to facilitate discussions with each of the departing states.
The announcement follows months of tensions between ECOWAS and the military-led governments of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which cited sovereignty concerns and dissatisfaction with the bloc’s policies as reasons for their departure.
Despite their withdrawal, ECOWAS’ decision to maintain certain cooperative measures reflects an effort to prevent immediate disruptions for millions of citizens and businesses that rely on regional integration.
As the transition unfolds, attention will now turn to negotiations on the future relationship between ECOWAS and the three Sahel states, which have formed a separate alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
