ECOWAS grants Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month grace period, from January 2025 to July 2025, to reconsider their withdrawal from the regional bloc. The decision includes continued mediation by Presidents of Togo and Senegal. ECOWAS aims to resolve political and economic relations during the transitional period.
In a recent summit, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) granted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month grace period, extending until July 2025, to reconsider their withdrawal from the regional bloc. The decision was announced by ECOWAS Commissioner Omar Touray after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government. During this period, the three countries will continue to engage in dialogue with ECOWAS, with the mediation efforts of Presidents Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal. ECOWAS leaders also decided to extend the mandate of these presidents to ensure continued diplomatic engagement.
The deadline for withdrawal is set for January 29, 2025, after which formal separation procedures will begin. ECOWAS will convene an extraordinary session in the second quarter of 2025 to discuss the modalities of separation and a contingency plan for political and economic relations with these countries.
President Bola Tinubu commended the collective commitment of ECOWAS member states during the summit, emphasizing the importance of unity in addressing regional challenges. He also called for efforts to translate summit decisions into tangible benefits for citizens. Furthermore, he praised outgoing African Union Chairperson Moussa Mahamat and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo for their contributions to African diplomacy. ECOWAS aims to continue promoting peace, security, and prosperity in West Africa.
