The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Sunday acknowledged the withdrawal request of the three member states – Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali – from the regional bloc.
Speaking at the closing session of the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said the three countries would cease to be members of the ECOWAS from January 29, 2025.
“The Authority takes note of the request by Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS. In accordance with article 91 of the ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will cease to be members of ECOWAS from January 29, 2025.
“The Authority acknowledges that in accordance with 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 the authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July, 2025 as a transitional period, and to Keep ECOWAS doors open to the 3 countries during the transition period,” he said.
The ECOWAS said despite acknowledging the decisions of the three countries, its doors remain open during the seven-month transitionary period from January 29 to July 29, 2025.
In January 2024, Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger announced their decision to withdraw from the ECOWAS.
The countries accused the ECOWAS of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences.
The countries criticised the imposition of by the ECOWAS following military interventions in Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023.