The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month transitional period to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc. The grace period extends from January 29 to July 29, 2025.
Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, made the announcement on Sunday at the conclusion of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
“The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali, and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS,” Dr. Touray said, referencing Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, which stipulates that the withdrawal becomes official on January 29, 2025.
However, ECOWAS leaders agreed to keep the door open for the three countries during the transitional period, extending the mandate of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal to continue their mediation efforts until July 29, 2025.
Dr. Touray further noted that ECOWAS had directed its Council of Ministers to hold an Extraordinary Session in the second quarter of 2025 to adopt separation modalities and contingency plans if the three countries do not reconsider their exit. These plans will cover political and economic relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
ECOWAS leaders praised the diplomatic engagements led by Presidents Gnassingbé and Faye, as well as the contributions of ECOWAS Chairman President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other member states in addressing the political crises in the three countries.
President Tinubu commended his counterparts for their spirited discussions throughout the summit, emphasizing the importance of unity in tackling the region’s challenges.
“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community,” Tinubu said in his closing remarks.
He urged member states to ensure that the summit’s resolutions translate into meaningful benefits for citizens, calling for a renewed commitment to the ideals of peace, justice, democracy, and good governance.
President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on his valedictory session and paid tribute to Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he called “Mr. Democrat.” Tinubu expressed confidence that ECOWAS would continue to draw from Akufo-Addo’s leadership and wisdom.
As ECOWAS faces critical decisions regarding regional stability and integration, the six-month grace period is seen as a diplomatic effort to restore unity and reinforce the bloc’s founding ideals. The collective resolve demonstrated by ECOWAS leaders underscores their commitment to a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.