ECOWAS Formally Accepts Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger
By Juliet Vincent
ECOWAS Authority has formally accepted the exit of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from the regional body effective from 29, January, 2025.
This was contained in statement uploaded on the official website of the Authority Wednesday.
According to the statement, 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, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.
It also noted that ECOWAS will continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
It also would allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
It further pointed out it would provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three
countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.
Besides, the statement averred that these arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS
Authority of Heads of State and Government.
It noted that the Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries, stressing that this message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.
