More destablization hits the sub-sahel region as the three military-led West West African nations, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
An official statement was released by the commission on Tuesday 29, 2025, stating that the three Sub-Saharan nation have officially left ECOWAS but the doors for them to join later in the future are still open to them.
“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” a statement by the ECOWAS Commission on Wednesday reads.
ECOWAS assured that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region.
Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso first announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in early 2024, following months of tension between the countries and the regional bloc.
The juntas in all three nations had accused ECOWAS of failing to support them in their fight against terrorism and of imposing sanctions that they claim harmed their populations.
They also rejected ECOWAS’ request to reconsider their decision to leave the bloc. However, in December 2024, they agreed to a six-month grace period following their withdrawal.
Trade and Economic activities to still go on – ECOWAS
According to the statement released by ECOWAS, trade and economic activities between the exiting and other members nations of the commission will still proceed under the existing Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
This means goods and services will be allowed to flow back and forth between member states and the three exiting nations.
Here’s an excerpt of the commission’s statement confirming this:
“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.”
The from the commission also urged member states to continue providing 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,” the statement clarified.
Reactions from Nigerians and citizens from other member states have trailed the statement with many slamming President Bola Tinubu who is the current Chairman of the commission.
Many blame the Nigerian president for the exit of the three militarily-led West African states, noting that his lack of ability to balance his relationship with France and the interest of his African brother nations is a major issue.
Other critics have slammed President Tinubu as a stooge for the west and French interests in the Sub-Saharan region.
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