ECOWAS directs member states to recognise national passports, identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali
Two countries express readiness to discuss with ECOWAS, says ECOWAS Commission President.
Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have officially withdrawn from the regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Daily Sun reports that the withdrawal follows a notification served on ECOWAS in January 2024 by the trio.
The ECOWAS Commission, in a statement issued in Abuja and dated January 29, 2025, confirmed that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS became effective on 29th January 2025.
However, ECOWAS stated that in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep the doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS member states are requested and required to recognise 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 until further notice.
ECOWAS directed member states to continue treating goods and services from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
ECOWAS also stated that member states should allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue enjoying the right of visa-free movement, residence, and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.
Additionally, member states are urged to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the 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,” ECOWAS stated.
ECOWAS announced that the Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on the modalities with each of the three countries.
“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period,” ECOWAS clarified.
Briefing journalists in Abuja, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Alieu Omar Touray, disclosed that ECOWAS has begun receiving responses from the countries, indicating their intention to sit and discuss with ECOWAS.
