The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc from January 29, 2025.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc from January 29, 2025.
The three governments had on January 27, 2024 indicated their intention to quit the subregional economic bloc, describing their action as “sovereign decision”. Relations between the bloc and the three countries had been tense after military coups took place in Niger in July, Burkina Faso in 2022 and Mali in 2020.
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They had at time been suspended from the union for being headed by military rulers. Even when they were recalled, the countries gave notice of exiting the body. In a joint statement – that was read out on state broadcasters in the three countries – they accused Ecowas of drifting from the ideals of its founding fathers and the spirit of Pan-Africanism.
The statement added that Ecowas “under the influence of foreign powers, betraying its founding principles, has become a threat to member states and peoples,” adding that the bloc had failed to help them tackle the jihadist violence in their countries.
Several efforts were made to have the three countries rescind their decision to quit the union but they were unyielding.
In a communiqué after their meeting at the Presidential Villa on Sunday, the commission noted the decision of the three countries to withdraw from ECOWAS, adding that they would cease to be members officially from January 2025. ECOWAS however gave the three countries up till July next year to reconsider their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc.
The communiqué read by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said “the authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.
“The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.
“In this regard, the authority extends the mandate of President for Gnassingbé of a Togo, and President Faye of Senegal to continue their mediation rule up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.
“Without prejudice, for the spirit of the opening, The Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January, 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.”
According to the ECOWAS treaty, member states wishing to withdraw must give written notice a year in advance, and continue to abide by its provisions during that year.
