The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) officially took effect on January 29, 2025.
However, in a bid to uphold regional solidarity and minimize disruption for citizens and businesses, ECOWAS has announced a series of transitional measures.
According to a statement from the regional bloc, authorities within and outside ECOWAS member states are urged to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for citizens of the three countries until further notice.
Additionally, goods and services originating from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies. Citizens of these nations will also retain their rights to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment within ECOWAS territories in line with existing protocols.
The statement further calls for full cooperation and support for ECOWAS officials from the three countries as they carry out their assignments.
These temporary measures will remain in place while the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government works on defining the modalities of future engagement with the three nations. A dedicated structure has been set up to facilitate discussions on these terms. ECOWAS emphasised that these arrangements are necessary to prevent confusion and disruptions in the daily lives and economic activities of citizens during this transition period.
