The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially confirmed the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc, effective January 29, 2024.
This follows months of tensions between the three Sahel nations and the regional body, culminating in their formal exit.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, ECOWAS emphasized its commitment to regional solidarity and assured that despite the withdrawal, the bloc would maintain open channels for cooperation.
The ECOWAS Authority has directed all relevant institutions within and outside member states to implement measures to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses during the transition period.
ECOWAS stressed that these arrangements will remain in place until a final decision is made on future engagements with the three nations by the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
“However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS”
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”
