The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially initiated formal withdrawal procedures for Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso following the decision of the three countries to exit the regional bloc.
The announcement was made in a communique delivered by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, at the end of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government which held at the Banquet Hall, Presidential in Villa in Abuja.
The decision highlights the bloc’s commitment to maintaining dialogue while managing the implications of the withdrawal.
The communique, issued after deliberations, acknowledged the notification of withdrawal by the three countries and outlined the timeline and process for their departure.
According to Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the nations will cease to be members of ECOWAS as of 29 January 2025.
Recognizing the geopolitical and economic implications of the withdrawal, ECOWAS has set a transitional period from 29 January to 29 July 2025.
During this time, the organization will keep its doors open to the departing states, signaling a willingness to welcome them back if circumstances permit.
To facilitate continued dialogue, the mandate of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has been extended.
Both leaders have been praised for their exemplary diplomatic engagement and will continue to mediate until the end of the transition period.
The Authority directed the ECOWAS Commission to begin withdrawal formalities after the January 2025 deadline.
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Similarly, the commission is tasked with preparing a contingency plan addressing political and economic relations with the three countries.
An extraordinary session of the Council of Ministers is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025 to finalize separation modalities and adopt the contingency plan.
The Authority commended the diplomatic efforts of ECOWAS Chairperson, President Bola Tinubu, as well as other individual member states, in navigating the complex situation.
Despite the formal withdrawal proceedings, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to fostering unity and regional cooperation, emphasizing its readiness to reintegrate Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in the future.
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