The leaders of Mali, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina
By Buba Gagigo
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has set a transitional period from January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, for Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to reconsider their decision and rejoin the regional bloc.
This decision was made during the Sixty-Sixth Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, acknowledged the countries’ notification to withdraw but reiterated ECOWAS’ willingness to welcome them back.
“The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger, and Burkina Faso of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS and acknowledges that in accordance with the provision of Article 91 of ECOWAS Revised Treaty of 1993, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29th January 2025. The Authority decides to set the period from 29th January 2025 to 29th July 2025 as a transitional period and keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries,” Touray stated.
To facilitate diplomatic efforts, the Authority extended the mediation mandates of President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé of Togo and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal until the end of the transition period.
“The Authority, without prejudice to the spirit of the continued diplomatic engagements, directs the President of the Commission to launch the withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering all areas. The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both the separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso,” he said.
The ECOWAS decision while signaling a firm stance kept the door open for dialogue and reintegration with the three nations.