The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has granted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month extension to reconsider their withdrawal from the bloc, following the expiration of a one-year statutory notice required for exiting the organisation.
Speaking during the 66th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr Omar Touray, confirmed that the transitional period runs from January 29 to July 29, 2025.
The purpose of the extension is to allow for dialogue and mediation efforts to resolve the situation.
Under Article 91 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the withdrawal process requires a year’s notice.
ECOWAS reaffirmed that the three nations would officially leave by January 29, 2025, unless they reverse their decision.
To facilitate reconciliation efforts, the mediation mandates of Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé and Senegalese President Macky Sall have been extended until the end of the transition period.
Dr Touray further revealed that withdrawal formalities would commence after the 2025 deadline if the nations uphold their stance.
A contingency plan addressing political, economic, and separation arrangements will be reviewed at an extraordinary Council of Ministers session in mid-2025.
ECOWAS leaders acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye and Togo’s President Gnassingbé, alongside support from Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and other member states in fostering dialogue.
President Tinubu closed the summit by urging leaders to remain united in implementing the resolutions, stressing ECOWAS’s commitment to promoting democracy, justice, and good governance across the region.
