Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Reaffirm ECOWAS Exit Plans

The three military-led nations plan to leave the West African bloc in January, with a six-month transition period for potential reconsideration.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have confirmed their decision to exit ECOWAS as 'irreversible,' citing dissatisfaction with sanctions and lack of support for internal security issues.
The official withdrawal is set for January 29, 2025, but ECOWAS has extended a six-month transition period until July 29 to allow for potential dialogue.
The three nations have formed their own Sahel States (AES) and announced that visa-free travel for ECOWAS citizens will continue post-exit, with some restrictions.
ECOWAS leaders, including mediators from Senegal and Togo, expressed disappointment but emphasized ongoing efforts to preserve regional unity and security cooperation.
The departure marks the first split in ECOWAS' history, raising concerns about its impact on free trade, regional stability, and the fight against jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel.