ECOWAS announces entry into force of the exit of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger

Published at: 29/01/2025 10:22 AM

One year after the military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced, in a joint statement, their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the organization notified the entry into force of this decision as of January 29.

The official statement affirms that ECOWAS will keep its doors open to these countries, in accordance with the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people on the part of the Community.

The text details a series of mandatory requests to the relevant authorities inside and outside the member States of the entity. The first of these concerns the recognition of passports and national identity documents with the ECOWAS logo of the citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.

“The second indication is to continue treating goods and services originating in the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Plan (ETLS) and investment policy,” the final statement details.

Likewise, citizens of the three countries will enjoy, until further notice, the right to free movement, residence and visa-free establishment, in accordance with the protocols established by the organization.

Mazo News Team