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By Chigozie Nwabunwanne
The Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS), has urged its member states to cooperate with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic as their exit from the group takes effect today, 29th January 2025.
In a press statement released by ECOWAS in the early hours of 29th January, the regional economic bloc urged its member states to cooperate with the three states.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the statement, ECOWAS has decided to keep the doors open to the Sahel states in the spirit of regional solidarity and the interest of the people.
ECOWAS officially recognised the exit of Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali from the group.
It emphasised that members of the West African economic and political group are expected to “recognise national passports and identity cards bearing the logo of ECOWAS held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger republic until further notice.”
“Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
“Allow citizens of three affected countries to continue enjoying the right of free visa movement, residents in accordance with ECOWAS until further notice.” It added.
It also assured that full support shall be given to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments to the community.
Recall that the three countries, currently under military rule, had last year announced decision to withdraw their membership from ECOWAS.
Their notification of withdrawal followed ECOWAS’s threat of military intervention in Niger to restore civilian rule after a coup in the country.
Though ECOWAS later withdrew the threat of military intervention, the three countries went ahead with their move for withdrawal, culminating in the formation of their own group called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
READ ALSO: ECOWAS Gives Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger Six Months To Reconsider Membership Withdrawal
Though they notified of a “swift” withdrawal, ECOWAS laws required one-year notice for it to be effective.
Formed in 1975, this is the first time the ECOWAS is losing members in such manner.
The three countries: Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali now in a confederation known as Alliance of the Sahel States (AES) rejected the ECOWAS call for an extension of six months to find solution to the problem.
The military junta’s of the three countries have accused the ECOWAS of imposing heavy, illegitimate sanctions on them ever since they took power by a military coup.
