ECOWAS To Maintain Relations With Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Despite Exit

The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged member states not to cut bilateral ties with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger despite their withdrawal from the regional bloc which took effect today, January 29, 2024.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, ECOWAS also said it decided to “keep its doors open” to the three countries, until their exit modalities are finalised.

According to ECOWAS, the decision was reached in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the citizens of the three countries.

The organization therefore said, “all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested 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.”

The member states are also requested to “continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in
accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and
investment policy.”

ECOWAS also directed members to “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.”

By this directive, members are also expected to “provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.”

ECOWAS said, “these arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the
modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS
Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“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,” ECOWAS stated.

The President of the ECOWAS commission, Alieu Touray, on December 15, announced that Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger had decided to withdraw from the organisation.

According to him, the countries’ exit from the commission will be between January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, adding that the timeframe would allow for mediations or possible diplomatic interventions.

ECOWAS To Maintain Relations With Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Despite Exit is first published on The Whistler Newspaper