The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has provided Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger with a six-month window, spanning from 29 January to 29 July 2025, to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
According to Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, the announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, held on Sunday, 15 December, in Abuja.
“The Authority acknowledges the notification from the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali, and Republic of Niger of their intent to withdraw from ECOWAS. Under the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January 2025,” Touray stated.
He continued: “The Authority has decided to designate the period between 29 January and 29 July 2025 as a transitional phase, keeping ECOWAS’ doors open to the three countries during this time.”
To support reintegration efforts, ECOWAS has extended the mandates of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as mediators for the transitional period.
Touray also disclosed that the Authority has instructed the Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session in the second quarter of 2025 to deliberate on separation modalities and develop a contingency plan for political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the three nations.
ECOWAS leaders commended the diplomatic efforts of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, along with Presidents Gnassingbé and Faye, and other member states for their continued engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu underscored the significance of unity and adherence to ECOWAS principles.
“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community. I urge all member states to redouble their efforts to ensure that the decisions reached here translate into tangible benefits for our citizens,” Tinubu declared.
He also called upon leaders to work towards achieving a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa founded on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and good governance.
President Tinubu praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, referring to him as “Mr Democrat,” and acknowledged the significant contributions of the outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Mahamat.
