THE Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month ultimatum, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
This information was shared yesterday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).
The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, announced this six-month grace period during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
This decision comes after the one-year statutory period since the three countries initially announced their intention to withdraw.
ECOWAS stated, “The Authority acknowledges the notification from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger regarding their decision to exit ECOWAS. According to Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, these countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS as of January 29, 2025.”
“The Authority decides to set the period from January 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.
“In this regard, the Authority extends the mandate of the President of Togo and the President of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.
“Without prejudice to the spirit of the opening, the Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the end of the deadline of January 29 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.
“The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an Extraordinary Session during the 2nd quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger, Republic of Mali and Burkina Faso,” Touray read from the communiqué.
Article 91 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty requires any member state wishing to withdraw to formally notify the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The withdrawal does not take immediate effect; rather, the country must wait one year from the date of notification. This one-year period allows the withdrawing state time to settle any financial and legal obligations owed to ECOWAS or its institutions.
ECOWAS leaders commended the diplomatic efforts of President Bassirou Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as the contributions of ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu, and other member states regarding the three countries.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for their constructive discussions during the Summit, emphasizing that their collective resolve reflects their strength in addressing the region’s pressing 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 as a Community. I urge all Member States to intensify their efforts to ensure that the decisions made here translate into tangible benefits for our citizens,” he stated.
The Nigerian leader encouraged the leaders to maintain the optimism and resolve that guided their deliberations. “Together, let us continue to champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa, building ECOWAS as a community of peoples founded on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and good governance that meets the legitimate aspirations of our people,” he added.
President Tinubu also congratulated Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, during his valedictory session and expressed appreciation for Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he affectionately referred to as “Mr. Democrat,” wishing him great success. He affirmed that ECOWAS will continue to benefit from President Akufo-Addo’s wisdom.
