By: Mercy Peter
The withdrawal of the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States (Alliance des Etats du Sahel) AES-Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the regional body, Economic Community of West African States, has become effective from today, Wednesday 29 January 2025.
ECOWAS, however instructed its organs to leave the doors open to citizens and goods from the three countries.
The regional body said the gesture is in solidarity with the citizens.
ECOWAS said it is to avoid disruption to the lives of the millions of people from the three countries.
ECOWAS also in a statement on Wednesday said arrangement for future engagement with the three countries would be in place.
A special committee the regional body said has been put in place to fashion out the modalities for future engagement.
The statement reads: “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025.
“However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to:
“Recognise National passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice. Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and investment policy.
“Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa-free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice. Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries. This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”
