Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Officially Withdraw from ECOWAS – Privileges Remain

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025. However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:

a) Recognize National passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger, until further notice.

b) Continue to treat goods and services from the three countries in line with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

c) Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa-free movement, residence, and establishment under the ECOWAS protocols until further notice.

d) Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries during their assignments for the Community.

These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our 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 our people during this transition period.