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ABUJA- The Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS has provided Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger with a six-month period, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reassess their decision to leave the regional bloc.
This announcement was made by Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, on Sunday in Abuja following the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority.
Dr. Touray stated, "The Authority acknowledges the notification from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regarding their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS."
He highlighted that according to Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, these countries will officially cease to be members as of January 29, 2025.
To facilitate this transition, the Authority has established a grace period from January 29 to July 29, 2025, during which ECOWAS will keep its doors open to the three nations. Additionally, the Authority has decided to extend the mediation roles of the Presidents of Togo and Senegal throughout this period, aiming to encourage the three countries to return to ECOWAS.
In light of these developments, the Authority has instructed the President of the Commission to initiate withdrawal procedures after the January 29 deadline and to prepare a contingency plan addressing various aspects of the potential separation.
Furthermore, the Council of Ministers is tasked with convening an Extraordinary Session in the second quarter of 2025 to discuss and adopt both the separation modalities and the contingency plan regarding political and economic relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
ECOWAS leaders expressed their appreciation for the diplomatic efforts of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as the contributions of the Chairman of the Authority, President Bola Tinubu, and other member states in engaging with the three countries.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu commended the Heads of State for their vigorous discussions throughout the Summit, emphasizing that their collective resolve demonstrates their capability to tackle pressing regional challenges.
He urged all member states to ensure that the decisions made translate into real benefits for their citizens.
"Together, let us continue to champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, building ECOWAS as a community rooted in the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and good governance that meet the legitimate aspirations of our people," he stated.
Additionally, President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, during his valedictory session and praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, referring to him as "Mr. Democrat," wishing him continued success.
He affirmed that ECOWAS will continue to benefit from President Akufo-Addo's wisdom.
