The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally confirmed the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, effective from today, January 29, 2025.
This decision follows the announcement made on January 29, 2024, by the three countries, which had cited dissatisfaction with ECOWAS policies and formed the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) as an alternative regional organization.
However, in an effort to reduce potential disruption and maintain stability, ECOWAS has instructed its member states to continue allowing citizens from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger unrestricted travel within the region.
The directive ensures that these nations’ citizens can continue to benefit from ECOWAS protocols concerning free movement, residence, and business rights until further notice.
Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS has emphasized its ongoing commitment to regional cooperation.
The organization urged its members to uphold the established frameworks for trade, investment, and mobility.
This includes the recognition of ECOWAS-issued passports and identity cards held by nationals of the three countries, which will remain valid for travel within the region.
ECOWAS has confirmed that citizens of the departing nations will still enjoy the right to visa-free movement, residence, and business establishment in other member states.
The statement assured that “National passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger” will continue to be recognized for these purposes.
Furthermore, ECOWAS has pledged to respect the privileges and operational rights of officials from the three nations until new negotiations are concluded.
The organization stated that these arrangements would remain in effect until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government determines the future modalities of engagement with the newly formed AES.
To manage the transition smoothly, ECOWAS has set up a negotiation mechanism to discuss future relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
The bloc has emphasized the importance of clarity in the ongoing discussions, seeking to avoid confusion during the process.
Meanwhile, as tensions rise within the affected countries, citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have celebrated their departure from ECOWAS, accusing the regional body of prioritizing Western interests over regional stability.
In response to these developments, the AES is working towards introducing a unified passport for its member states, signaling a further shift away from ECOWAS influence.
This ongoing divergence between ECOWAS and its former members highlights the evolving political dynamics within West Africa, with the AES positioning itself as a potential rival to the established regional framework.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
