The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc. This decision, announced at the conclusion of the 66th Ordinary Summit of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, signals a major shift in West Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, ECOWAS Commission President, revealed that the three nations will formally exit the bloc on January 29, 2025, in line with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty. A transitional period, extending until July 29, 2025, has been set to allow the countries to reconsider their decision.
The announcement highlighted the sustained diplomatic efforts led by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The mandates of Presidents Faye and Gnassingbé were extended to continue mediation throughout the transitional period.
“ECOWAS remains committed to maintaining dialogue with the three countries during this period,” Dr. Touray said.
The ECOWAS Commission has been tasked with initiating withdrawal formalities starting January 29, 2025, and preparing a contingency plan to manage political and economic relations with the departing nations. Additionally, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers will convene an extraordinary session in mid-2025 to finalize separation modalities.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in January 2024, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s direction and accusing it of external interference. These tensions stemmed from ECOWAS sanctions imposed following military coups in Mali (2020 and 2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and Niger (2023).
Speaking at the summit’s closing session, ECOWAS Chairman and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the leaders for their collaborative efforts and urged member states to uphold the bloc’s principles.
“As we implement these decisions, let us stay united and committed to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa anchored on democracy and good governance,” Tinubu said.
He also commended Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo for his contributions to ECOWAS, describing him as “Mr. Democrat,” and congratulated Moussa Faki Mahamat on his valedictory session as African Union Commission Chair.
As ECOWAS navigates this challenging period, the bloc’s leadership remains hopeful that dialogue will pave the way for reintegration of the three countries while maintaining stability across the region.
