JUST IN: ECOWAS confirms official exit of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, maintains visa-Free movement

By Kunle Sanni
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially confirmed that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc took effect today, January 29, 2024.
Despite their departure, ECOWAS has announced interim measures to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses in the three countries while discussions continue on future engagement.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ECOWAS reaffirmed its commitment to regional solidarity, emphasizing that its “doors remain open” to the three nations.
To prevent unnecessary hardship and ensure stability, the regional bloc outlined several key provisions that will remain in effect until further notice:
- Recognition of National Documents: Passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo, held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, will remain valid for travel and identification.
- Trade and Investment Continuity: Goods and services from the three nations will continue to be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies.
- Visa-Free Movement: Citizens of the departing countries will still enjoy the right to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment within ECOWAS member states.
- Support for ECOWAS Officials: Officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger working with ECOWAS will continue to receive full support and cooperation in carrying out their assignments.
ECOWAS stated that these provisions will remain in effect until the bloc’s Authority of Heads of State and Government determines the full modalities for future engagement with the three nations. A dedicated structure has been established to facilitate discussions on this matter.
The regional body stressed that these measures are necessary to prevent confusion and economic disruptions, ensuring that citizens and businesses in the affected countries continue to operate with minimal constraints during this transition period.
Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali—three West African nations governed by military juntas—announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS on January 28, 2024.
The decision was driven by rising tensions between these countries and ECOWAS following a series of military coups.
The juntas accused ECOWAS of being influenced by external powers and failing to address security concerns, particularly jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel region.
They also criticized the regional bloc for imposing harsh sanctions instead of supporting their transition plans
In response to the military takeovers, ECOWAS imposed economic and political sanctions on the three nations, including:
- Trade restrictions: Suspension of commercial and financial transactions.
- Asset freezes: Freezing of government accounts in ECOWAS banks.
- Border closures: Restrictions on movement and trade with neighboring ECOWAS states.
- Suspension from ECOWAS bodies: Exclusion from decision-making processes in the regional bloc.
These sanctions severely impacted the economies of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali, leading to further friction. However, ECOWAS later eased some restrictions, particularly on Niger, after negotiations. The juntas have since strengthened their alliance, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) as an alternative regional bloc to ECOWAS.