As the Alliance of Sahel States introduces a new passport, Ecowas responds.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that the official withdrawal of three member states—Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger—took effect on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.

This follows the announcement made by the three Sahel nations a year ago, declaring their decision to exit the regional bloc. Despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS emphasized its commitment to maintaining open communication channels in the spirit of regional solidarity.

However, the Sahel states’ move to introduce a common passport signals a less likely return to the bloc. ECOWAS has outlined transitional measures to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses during this period. These include:

1. Recognition of ECOWAS Passports: Authorities in ECOWAS member states and beyond are urged to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice.
2. Trade and Movement Policies: Goods and services originating from the three countries will continue to be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies. Citizens of these countries will retain the right to visa-free movement, residence, and establishment, in line with ECOWAS protocols.
3. Support for ECOWAS Officials: Member states are encouraged to provide full cooperation and support to ECOWAS officials from the three countries while they carry out their duties.

These temporary arrangements will remain in place until ECOWAS leaders make a final decision on future engagements with the three nations.

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger coincides with the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new regional bloc led by the military governments of the three countries. As part of this alliance, the Sahel states plan to issue new passports starting January 29, 2025, to replace ECOWAS passports. While citizens are encouraged to register for the new passports, ECOWAS passports will remain valid until their expiration dates.

On Tuesday, January 28, widespread pro-junta demonstrations were held in support of the withdrawal. In Niger, thousands, led by members of the military, rallied in Niamey, chanting anti-French slogans and expressing dissatisfaction with regional leaders. Similar rallies occurred in Burkina Faso, where Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean-Emmanuel Ouedraogo joined government officials and citizens at Ouagadougou’s National Square. In Mali, no demonstrations were reported, but further developments are anticipated.

The Sahel states’ exit poses a significant challenge for ECOWAS, which now faces the task of reassessing its structure and future direction. To encourage reconciliation, ECOWAS has given the three nations a six-month grace period, ending in July 2025, to reconsider their decision and potentially seek readmission.

The move by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger marks a pivotal moment in West African regional politics, with far-reaching implications for ECOWAS and its member states.