The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after formalising the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger republics from the regional body but has directed its members to continue granting its citizens free movements across the regional body in the mean time. The trio official exit from the regional bloc has become effective today, Wednesday 29 January, 2025, after they were notified to retrace their decision of withdrawal issued on 29 January, 2024.
Contained in a statement released this morning, ECOWAS said though the withdrawal of the three countries became effective today, its decision to keep its doors open was in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people.
ECOWAS therefore asked its members to “recognize National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice”.
It also enjoined ECOWAS members to continue to trade goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy enshrined in the law.
The statement said, “Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.”
More so, it also enjoined members to continue providing their support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the trio countries when they cross path in the course of their assignments for Community.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” the statement clarified.
Accordingly, the Commission has set up a structure to continue to explore ways for discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.
ECOWAS noted that it was necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of its people during this transition period.
This is despite the citizens of the three countries had took to the street yesterday to celebrate their exit from ECOWAS which they have accused of protecting the interest of France.
Meanwhile, it was learned that the three countries have since established their own regional body call the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) and are set to launch their own uniform passport.
