The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will formally withdraw from the regional bloc on January 29, 2025.
The decision was outlined in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja, Nigeria. The leaders affirmed that a six-month transition period would begin after the withdrawal date to address the implications of the exit.
Mediation Efforts to Continue
In a bid to restore relations with the three nations, a mediation team led by Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will continue diplomatic engagements. The mediation aims to encourage Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to rejoin the bloc and align with ECOWAS’s principles.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, highlighted the ongoing efforts while reading the communiqué. He emphasized that dialogue remains a priority, even as the bloc prepares for the nations’ withdrawal.
Security Preparedness
Dr. Touray also addressed concerns over potential security challenges posed by the withdrawal. He assured that ECOWAS would adopt proactive measures to mitigate risks and maintain stability within the subregion.
The departure of these three countries, all of which have faced political and security crises in recent years, marks a significant development for West Africa’s regional cooperation and governance framework.
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