Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Officially Exit ECOWAS
On January 29, 2025, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger
officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS), marking the end of a year-long deliberation. The three nations, now
part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), cited dissatisfaction with ECOWAS
policies and alleged foreign interference as key reasons for their departure.
“This is ending today; there is nothing left between ECOWAS
and us,” declared Ibro Amadou Bacharou, a senior Nigerien official. The
withdrawal has sparked concerns about regional stability, but ECOWAS has sought
to minimize disruptions by allowing continued recognition of ECOWAS-branded
passports and visa-free movement for citizens of the departing nations.
To maintain economic ties, ECOWAS has urged member states to
uphold trade privileges under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and
support officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in ongoing assignments during
a six-month grace period.
Thousands of citizens in the three countries rallied to
celebrate the withdrawal, seeing it as a move toward greater sovereignty. “This
is a step toward self-determination,” said a demonstrator in Ouagadougou.
Despite leaving ECOWAS, the nations pledged to sustain visa-free travel and
trade with other West African states.
However, the Commission President Omar Touray signaled a
willingness to rebuild ties, stating, “Together, let us continue to champion a
peaceful and prosperous West Africa.” The development highlights shifting
dynamics in the region as the three nations pursue a new path within the AES.
