ECOWAS confirms withdrawal of Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali from the organization within 6-month period

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decision was acknowledged by ECOWAS Heads of State during a Summit held in Abuja on Sunday, December 15. A six-month Transition period will commence on January 29, 2025, after which the exit of the three Sahelian countries will become definitive on July 30, 2025, unless they reconsider their decision.

Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has been tasked with overseeing the withdrawal process. During the Transition period, Touray and his team will address the status of ECOWAS contract employees from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. They will also manage the relocation of community Agencies headquartered in these three nations, which are founding members of the organization.

In a formal and solemn address, Touray reflected on nearly a year of escalating tensions, during which the military juntas of these nations often set the agenda. He stated, “The Authority of Heads of State and Government notes that, in accordance with Article 91 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS as of January 29, 2025. The Authority instructs the President of the Commission to initiate the withdrawal formalities after this deadline.”

The Commission will adhere to established procedures for managing a country’s exit, drawing on its experience from Mauritania’s withdrawal in 2000. However, at the request of Senegal and Togo, ECOWAS leaders agreed to continue mediation efforts with the departing nations. This six-month period is intended to provide Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger an opportunity to reconsider their decision. If they choose not to return, their withdrawal will be finalized on July 30, 2025.

This impending departure marks a significant moment for ECOWAS. The withdrawal of these three nations, key players in the Sahel and founding members of the organization, raises questions about the bloc’s cohesion and its ability to navigate the shifting dynamics of the region.