ECOWAS Acknowledges Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially recognized the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc. A statement issued by the ECOWAS Commission on January 29 confirmed that the withdrawal took effect.
The statement also reiterated the importance of regional solidarity, urging all countries, whether members or not, to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo.
Despite the withdrawal of these three nations, the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) will remain in effect, ensuring continued trade between member and non-member states. Citizens of non-member countries will retain visa-free access and other benefits in line with ECOWAS agreements. The decision for the three countries to leave ECOWAS came after military coups in the region, with Mali’s coup in August 2020 triggering the country’s suspension from the bloc, followed by similar actions in Burkina Faso and Niger.

About Geraldine Boechat 3005 Articles
Senior Editor for Medafrica Times and former journalist for Swiss National Television. former NGO team leader in Burundi and Somalia