By Amofokhai Williams
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has extended a six-month grace period for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
This decision, announced on Sunday in Abuja by ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Touray, followed the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
Touray stated that while the withdrawal of the three nations would take effect from January 29, 2025, under Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, a transitional period has been set from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to encourage their reintegration into the bloc.
To facilitate dialogue, ECOWAS extended the mediation mandates of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal until the end of the transition period.
Should the nations uphold their decision, ECOWAS has directed the Commission President to begin withdrawal formalities post-January 29, 2025, while preparing contingency plans for political and economic relations.
An Extraordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers is also scheduled for the second quarter of 2025 to finalise separation modalities and address future relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
ECOWAS leaders lauded the mediation efforts of Presidents Gnassingbé and Faye, as well as the diplomatic engagement of Chairman Bola Tinubu and other member states, in addressing the impasse.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of collective action in overcoming the region’s challenges. He urged member states to implement summit resolutions to deliver tangible benefits to their citizens.
“Let us remain united and steadfast in upholding the principles that bind us as a Community,” Tinubu stated. He further called on leaders to champion a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa anchored on justice, democracy, and good governance.
President Tinubu also congratulated outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he called “Mr. Democrat,” for his unwavering commitment to democratic ideals.
The summit underscored ECOWAS’s dedication to fostering unity and progress across the West African region.
