Niger, Burkina Faso, And Mali Announce Permanent Exit From ECOWAS
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have announced plans to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by 2025. This decision was disclosed by Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government, which took place on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Touray outlined that the withdrawal process would take place over a transitional period from January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, allowing time for final discussions and potential diplomatic interventions. He stated, “The Authority takes note of the notification from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regarding their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.”
According to the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members by January 29, 2025. However, ECOWAS has decided to keep the doors open for the trio during the transition period, which will run until July 29, 2025. During this time, the President of Togo and the President of Senegal will continue their mediation efforts to encourage the countries to reconsider their decision.
Touray added that following the transitional period, the ECOWAS Commission will begin formal withdrawal procedures and develop a contingency plan addressing political and economic relations with the departing nations. An Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers is also planned for the second quarter of 2025 to finalize separation procedures and discuss future relations.
In addition to addressing the withdrawal, ECOWAS leaders praised the diplomatic efforts of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, for their role in attempting to resolve the crisis. President Tinubu also commended the collective resolve of ECOWAS members in tackling regional challenges and called for continued unity and collaboration to address the needs of the people of West Africa.
“We must remain united in our determination to ensure the outcomes of this Summit benefit our citizens,” Tinubu said. “Together, we will champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.”
On a related note, the Nigerian government recently released ₦85 billion (approximately $54 million) as its community levy to ECOWAS. This payment covers Nigeria’s obligations from January 2023 through July 2024. Touray hailed this as a significant step, marking the first time in 19 years that Nigeria has paid 100% of its community levy.
“The payment demonstrates the leadership and commitment of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government, and its people to the ECOWAS community,” Touray said.
