ECOWAS Bids Farewell to Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Grants Visa-Free Movement

Published on January 29, 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially recognized the exit of three of its former member states: Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.

The exit, which became effective today, January 29, 2025, follows a one-year notice period.

This was contained in a statement issued by ECOWAS Authority on Wednesday, stating that in a spirit of regional solidarity its member countries should continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo from the three exiting countries until further notice. The regional bloc also asked its members to:

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“a) 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.”

“b) continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.”

“c) 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.”

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“d) provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.”

The ECOWAS Authority emphasized that these arrangements will remain in place until the full determination of the modalities of their future engagement with the three countries. The Commission has established a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

The exit of the three junta-led countries has created uncertainty for the ECOWAS grouping.

The countries had formally notified ECOWAS of their plan to withdraw in January 2024, citing the organization’s excessive dependence on France. Instead, they have formed a separate confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and are seeking partnerships with countries like Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

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