The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that despite the official withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc on January 29, 2025, citizens and businesses from these countries will continue to enjoy key benefits of membership to maintain regional stability.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission confirmed the departure of the three nations but reassured that their citizens would still have access to visa-free travel, trade privileges, and other economic benefits within the region.

“The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025,” the statement read.

ECOWAS clarified that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region, while trade and economic activities will continue under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), allowing goods and services from the three nations to move freely.

Citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will retain their rights to visa-free movement, residence, and business establishment across ECOWAS member states.

The Commission called on relevant authorities to:

• Recognise national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo from the three countries until further notice.

• Treat goods and services from these countries in accordance with ECOWAS trade and investment policies.

• Ensure citizens of the three nations continue to enjoy visa-free travel, residence, and business rights as per ECOWAS protocols.

• Provide full support to ECOWAS officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger during their assignments for the Community.

To manage the transition and prevent disruptions in cross-border movement and trade, ECOWAS has established a special committee to negotiate future engagements with the three nations.

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” the statement added.

The Commission emphasized that these measures aim to prevent confusion and disruptions in the lives and businesses of millions of people who rely on cross-border trade and regional cooperation.