In a last-ditch effort to prevent the departure of three key member states, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has granted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month grace period to reconsider their decision to exit the regional bloc.
The decision was announced by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja. The six-month period, which runs from January 29 to July 29, 2025, aims to provide a transitional period for the three countries to reconsider their exit.
The move comes after Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger notified ECOWAS of their intention to withdraw from the bloc, citing a lack of support in their fight against jihadist groups. The three countries have been working to establish their own regional alliance, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which aims to promote defense and security cooperation.
ECOWAS leaders have commended the diplomatic efforts of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, in trying to persuade the three countries to remain in the bloc.
The implications of the withdrawal are far-reaching, with potential disruptions to trade, economic activities and the free movement of people and goods within the region. ECOWAS has played a crucial role in promoting regional integration and cooperation and the loss of three key member states could undermine the bloc’s effectiveness.
As the situation unfolds, ECOWAS leaders will be working to persuade Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reconsider their decision and remain part of the regional bloc.
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