The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month window to reconsider their decision to exit the regional bloc.
This announcement was made by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, after the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja.
The six-month period, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, serves as a transitional phase, during which ECOWAS will keep its doors open to the three countries.
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The Authority has also extended the mandate of the President of Togo and the President of Senegal to continue mediating and trying to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.
ECOWAS leaders commended the diplomatic efforts of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, and Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS, President Bola Tinubu, towards the three countries.
President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity and collective resolve in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
It’s worth noting that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS could have significant economic, diplomatic, and security implications for the region.
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The three countries have been part of ECOWAS since its inception and have benefited from the free movement of people and goods within the region