‘Just In!’ ECOWAS Formalises Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger’s Exit, Maintains Citizens Free Movement

The junta-led West African nations of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the culmination of a yearlong process during which the group tried to avert an unprecedented disintegration.

The body directed its members to continue granting citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic free movement despite their disintegration as members

The withdrawal of the three countries, first announced a year ago, “has become effective today,” ECOWAS said in a statement. Stating that it has also decided to “keep ECOWAS’ doors open,” requesting member nations to continue to accord the trio of nations membership privileges, including free movement within the region with an ECOWAS passport.

Widely seen as West Africa’s top political and regional authority, the 15-nation ECOWAS was formed in 1975 to “promote economic integration” in member states. It has struggled in recent years to reverse rampant coups in the region where citizens have complained of not benefitting from rich natural resources.

It also enjoined members to continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

“Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice,”

it added.

More so, it urged members to continue providing full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.

“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 clarified.

The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

It said the statement was necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of the people during this transition period.

Citizens of the three countries took to the street on Tuesday to celebrate their exit from ECOWAS which they have accused of protecting the interest of France.

The three countries have since established their own body named the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) and are set to launch their own uniform passport.

ECOWAS initially imposed sanctions on the three countries following successful military coups there but later withdrew the sanctions in an effort to get them not to leave the bloc.

More details to come…