ECOWAS Announces Timeline for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s Withdrawal

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will officially withdraw from the organization between January 29, 2025, and July 29, 2025.

This decision was disclosed by Alieu Touray, the president of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th regular session of heads of state and government held in Abuja on Sunday.

The announcement follows the earlier declarations by the military governments of the three nations to leave ECOWAS immediately after facing suspension and sanctions. According to Touray, the timeline for their withdrawal allows room for any final diplomatic efforts or mediations before the process is completed.

In January, the leadership of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger described their decision as “irreversible,” claiming it was necessary to pursue a new path for their people. The nations accused ECOWAS of prioritizing the interests of France, their former colonial power, over the needs of the region.

The move marks a significant shift in West Africa’s regional dynamics and precedes a crucial ECOWAS meeting where leaders had aimed to negotiate terms to retain the three countries as members.

Regional Implications:

• Economic and Security Challenges: The withdrawal raises concerns about the impact on trade, regional stability, and security cooperation within West Africa.
• Diplomatic Opportunities: The extended timeline provides an opportunity for regional leaders to address grievances and potentially foster reconciliation.

As the January 2025 date approaches, ECOWAS and the departing nations will likely remain in discussions about the future of the region's integration and collaboration.