The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will continue to enjoy free movement within the region, despite the official exit of their countries from the bloc.
The withdrawal of the three nations became effective on Wednesday, 29 January 2025, exactly one year after they submitted their notice of departure.
In a statement issued on Wednesday morning, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to regional unity, stating that its doors remain open in the spirit of solidarity and in the interest of the people.
It directed member states to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice.
The regional body also instructed its members to maintain trade relations with the three countries under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy. Additionally, citizens from these nations will retain the right to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment within ECOWAS territories. Officials from the three countries working on ECOWAS assignments will continue to receive full support from member states during this transition period.
According to ECOWAS, these temporary measures will remain in place until the bloc’s leaders finalize discussions on their future engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. A dedicated structure has been set up to facilitate these negotiations.
The announcement follows celebrations in the three countries, where citizens took to the streets on Tuesday to mark their exit from ECOWAS. Many have accused the regional bloc of prioritizing France’s interests over the needs of West African nations.
In response to their departure, the three countries have formed their own regional alliance, the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES), and are preparing to launch a unified passport to replace ECOWAS documentation.