The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially acknowledged the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.
A press release issued by the ECOWAS Commission on Monday, January 29, confirmed that their departure had taken effect, following a six-month grace period.
The statement also emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, urging both member and non-member states to recognize national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo.
The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) will remain in place, allowing trade between member and non-member states, while citizens of non-member countries will continue to enjoy visa-free movement and other benefits as per ECOWAS protocols.
Background
The decision for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to leave ECOWAS follows military coups.
In Mali, a military coup in August 2020 ousted the elected government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, which led to the country’s suspension from ECOWAS. Relations worsened following a second coup in 2021, resulting in Mali’s formal withdrawal from the regional body in 2022.
Burkina Faso experienced a similar trajectory, with a military coup in January 2022 followed by a second in September 2022, which further strained relations with ECOWAS and led to the country’s continued suspension.
Niger followed suit in July 2023, when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup, prompting ECOWAS to suspend the country’s membership and impose sanctions.
While the main reason behind the departures cannot be established, many attributed it to the high cost of living, poor governance, and the daily frustrations their citizens endure in striving for sustainable lives.
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