West Africa bloc formally announces exit of three junta-led states

By Babagana Jidda

kanempress

January 29, 2024

Kanempress reports that the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) has announced the formal exit of junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic from the regional bloc following their withdrawal in 2024.

West Africa has been rocked by a spate of coups, which had countries in the 15-member body under military rule in the past five years.

“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” ECOWAS said on Wednesday.

The three states had announced their withdrawal from the regional bloc last January after ECOWAS demanded a restoration of democratic rule in Niger Republic following a military coup in 2023.

Instead, the three breakaway states formed Alliance of Sahel States, an alternate bloc and launched their own biometric passports.

ECOWAS said on Wednesday that the remaining members tentatively agreed to “keep ECOWAS doors open” by recognizing national passports and identity bearing the bloc’s logo from the countries, to continue trade under existing regional agreement, and to continue diplomatic cooperation with the countries.

ECOWAS had in December given Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, a six-month grace period to rethink their exit.

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries of by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” ECOWAS said.