On January 29, 2025, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced that despite the official withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the bloc, citizens and businesses from these countries will continue to enjoy key benefits of membership to maintain regional stability.
ECOWAS assured that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region. Trade and economic activities will proceed under the existing ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, allowing goods and services from the three countries to move freely. Their citizens will retain visa-free access, residence, and establishment rights across ECOWAS states.
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A special ECOWAS committee has been established to negotiate future engagement with the three countries, ensuring that the transition does not negatively impact millions of people who rely on cross-border movement and trade. These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of people during this transition period.
This approach underscores ECOWAS’s commitment to regional solidarity and the well-being of citizens, even as the political landscape evolves.
