National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has formally accepted the withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from the regional bloc, effective January 29, 2025. However, the organization has given the three countries a six-month transitional period, ending July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision.
According to a communiqué issued after a meeting at the Presidential Villa, Ecowas acknowledged the decision of the three countries to withdraw, citing Article 91 of the revised Ecowas treaty. The communiqué, read by Ecowas Commission President Omar Touray, stated:
“the authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from Ecowas. 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.”
During the transitional period, Ecowas will maintain open doors for the three countries, with the hope of bringing them back into the fold. The organization has also extended the mandate of President Gnassingbé of Togo and President Faye of Senegal to continue mediating and facilitating dialogue with the withdrawing countries.
The withdrawal of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso from Ecowas marks a significant shift in regional dynamics, as the three countries had previously announced plans to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a mutual defense pact aimed at addressing regional security challenges
