The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially confirmed yesterday that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn from the regional bloc, effective January 29, 2025, while maintaining several crucial privileges for their citizens.
According to a statement from the ECOWAS Commission, citizens of the three nations will continue to enjoy visa-free movement throughout West Africa and retain their right to residence and establishment in ECOWAS member states. The bloc will also continue recognising national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo from these countries.
The arrangement preserves significant economic ties, with goods and services from the departing nations remaining eligible under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and investment policy.
Despite their withdrawal, ECOWAS expects the three Sahel states to maintain cooperation with community officials during their assignments.
The departure of these nations marks a significant shift in West African regional politics, though the retention of key privileges suggests an effort to minimise disruption to trade and civilian movement across the region.
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