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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given a six-month grace period to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc. This ultimatum, announced by Dr. Omar Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, spans from January 29 to July 29, 2025. It follows the one-year period since the three countries notified ECOWAS of their intention to exit.
During this six-month transitional period, ECOWAS aims to mediate and encourage the countries to rejoin the bloc. As part of the process, the mediation efforts of Togo’s and Senegal’s presidents will continue. If no agreement is reached by July 2025, ECOWAS will proceed with withdrawal procedures and implement a contingency plan to address political and economic relations with the countries.
Article 91 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty requires a one-year waiting period after a formal withdrawal notice, allowing the withdrawing country to settle financial and legal obligations to the organization.
The decision to extend the transition period reflects ECOWAS’ commitment to resolving the situation diplomatically, with further meetings planned for mid-2025 to finalize separation modalities if necessary.
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At the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity in addressing regional challenges, reaffirming the commitment to peace, security, and prosperity in West Africa.
He also recognized the contributions of key leaders, including the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo.
