Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have officially announced their decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The announcement was made on Sunday during the 66th ordinary session of ECOWAS heads of state and government held in Abuja, as revealed by ECOWAS Commission President Alieu Touray.
The withdrawal will take effect between January 29, 2025, and July 29, 2025, allowing time for mediation and potential diplomatic interventions.
“The authority takes note of the notification by Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS,” Touray stated. He added that Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty provides the framework for their official exit.
To encourage dialogue, ECOWAS has designated the period between January and July 2025 as a transitional window. During this time, ECOWAS plans to keep communication channels open with the three countries. The authority has extended the mediation mandates of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, with the goal of reintegrating the nations into the bloc.
Formal withdrawal processes will begin after January 29, 2025. In preparation, ECOWAS is developing a contingency plan to address the political and economic impacts of the departure. An extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025 to finalize separation modalities and outline future relations with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
ECOWAS leaders commended the diplomatic efforts of Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, and the organization’s chairman, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their continued efforts to bridge differences with the departing nations.
In a separate development, Nigeria has made its first full payment of the ECOWAS levy in 19 years, contributing ₦85.54 billion and $54 million to cover 2023 and part of 2024. ECOWAS President Alieu Touray expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s leadership and commitment, describing the payment as a “vote of confidence” in the regional organization.
This payment, finalized on December 13, underscores Nigeria’s dedication to strengthening economic integration and stability in West Africa.
