The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has extended a six-month grace period to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following their scheduled withdrawal from the bloc on January 29, 2025. Leaders reached this decision during a summit on Sunday.
While the official withdrawal date remains January 29, the extension pushes the effective date to July 29, 2025. During this transition period, ECOWAS mediators will work to reintegrate the three countries into the bloc. “This extension aims to bring the member countries back to ECOWAS without prejudice,” stated ECOWAS Commission President Oumar Touray.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have reaffirmed their decision to leave as irreversible, jointly declaring that their territories would remain visa-free for all ECOWAS citizens post-exit. This move seeks to mitigate concerns over potential disruptions to the bloc’s freedom of movement and its common market, which serves over 400 million people.
The countries’ withdrawal follows a wave of coups across the Sahel since 2020, bringing military-led governments closer to Russia while distancing themselves from traditional allies, including France. This shift marks a significant challenge to regional stability and integration efforts.