The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially recognised the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.

A press release issued by the ECOWAS Commission on Monday, January 29, confirmed that their departure had taken effect, following a six-month grace period.

The statement also emphasised the importance of regional solidarity, urging both member and non-member states to recognise national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo.

The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) will remain in place, allowing trade between member and non-member states, while citizens of non-member countries will continue to enjoy visa-free movement and other benefits as per ECOWAS protocols.

Background
The decision for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to leave ECOWAS follows military coups.

In Mali, a military coup in August 2020 ousted the elected government of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, which led to the country’s suspension from ECOWAS.

Relations worsened following a second coup in 2021, resulting in Mali’s formal withdrawal from the regional body in 2022.

Burkina Faso experienced a similar trajectory, with a military coup in January 2022 followed by a second in September 2022, which further strained relations with ECOWAS and led to the country’s continued suspension.

Niger followed suit in July 2023, when President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a coup, prompting ECOWAS to suspend the country’s membership and impose sanctions.