Despite officially cutting ties with ECOWAS, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso continue to enjoy key regional privileges as the bloc navigates the fallout of their departure.

The three Sahel nations, which initially announced their withdrawal a year ago, have formalised their exit, prompting trade, free movement, and economic cooperation negotiations.

To prevent immediate disruptions, ECOWAS has urged member states to maintain existing privileges, including the use of ECOWAS passports, while discussions on the future relationship continue.

ECOWAS President Omare Toure emphasised that various programmatic areas, legal protocols, and institutional matters will be addressed in the negotiations.

“So those programs covering energy, trade, free movement, health—all these will be discussed,” Omare Toure said.

“Sometimes, we don’t communicate sufficiently, but ECOWAS remains involved in all these areas in our countries.”

Meanwhile, Toure revealed that the transitional period for the three nations has been set to conclude on July 29, with separation formalities already underway.

“The leaders have indicated that they have set the period from today to July 29 as the transitional phase, and engagement will continue with a view to keeping the region together.

"At the same time, the commission has been directed to start separation formalities, and as I’ve indicated, it has started,” he stated.

Despite the ongoing separation, Omare Toure stressed that ECOWAS remains open to their return.

“ECOWAS’ doors remain open. We are a community, and our leaders have emphasized their commitment to regional unity. Any member state can decide to return to the community at any time,” he affirmed.