The military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), set to take effect on January 29, 2025. This marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the region.
Announcement and Transitional Period
Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, made the announcement during the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on Sunday. The withdrawal, in line with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, acknowledges the sovereignty of member states and establishes a transitional period between January 29, 2025, and July 29, 2025, to allow for final mediation and diplomatic efforts.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ongoing Engagement
Touray commended the diplomatic initiatives of:
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of Senegal
- Faure Gnassingbé, President of Togo
- Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chairman of ECOWAS Authority and President of Nigeria
These leaders will continue mediation efforts throughout the transitional period in an attempt to reconcile the three nations with ECOWAS.
Next Steps and Contingency Plans
Touray outlined plans for managing the separation:
- Formal withdrawal processes will begin after January 29, 2025.
- An extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers will be held in the second quarter of 2025 to finalize separation modalities and develop contingency plans for future political and economic relations.
ECOWAS Remains Open for Dialogue
Despite the withdrawal announcement, ECOWAS leaders emphasized their commitment to maintaining open channels for dialogue, encouraging Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to reconsider their decision during the transitional period.
This development reflects the growing tensions within the region as the three nations, led by military juntas, chart a new course independent of ECOWAS’s influence.
