₦airaland Forum

The three countries led by military regimes formally notified ECOWAS of their desire for “immediate” withdrawal. But the texts of the West African organisation required one year’s notice for it to be effective.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are now united in a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).


Their military rulers accuse ECOWAS of having imposed “inhuman, illegal and illegitimate” sanctions against them after the coups that brought them to power.



They also believe that the West African organisation has not helped them enough to fight jihadist violence. ECOWAS, they argue, is subservient to their former colonial ruler, France.

Paris has become the common enemy of these juntas, which now favour partnerships with countries such as Russia, Turkey, and Iran.

In a statement on Wednesday, ECOWAS announced that the Alliance of Sahel States’ withdrawal has become effective.

Despite the withdrawal, the bloc said citizens of the three countries would continue to enjoy certain regional benefits. “In the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested to recognize national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, until further notice,” the statement read.


It added that goods and services from the three countries would still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy. Additionally, citizens of the three countries would retain their “right of visa-free movement, residence, and establishment in accordance with ECOWAS protocols until further notice.”

ECOWAS noted that these measures aim to “avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.” It also announced that a structure has been set up to facilitate discussions on the future relationship between the bloc and the three countries.

Xisnin:
Spineless ECOWAS still indirectly begging them.
Ordinarily, there should be a new negotiation when a country leave an economic union.

All UK's EU's privileges were revoked when it left, same thing should happen to
those land-locked state and not appeasing them.

With this position, ECOWAS just signal that it is a completely
fruitless organization that offers no advantage to being a member.
Any member that also wants to leave can now leave since all their privileges will be
maintained.

TimeManager:
You were here when some people were appealing to the President that they are " our brothers" with ethnic affiliation, top Northern leaders engaged in several delegation to the President to lift the sanctions. A leader cannot always be rigid.

-Kiss the truth!

Xisnin:
This isn't about personal issues and appeals but institutional strength and integrity.
Any organization that grants the same rights to both current and ex-members has
lost its reason for existing.

ECOWAS is an international union and not ethnic enclave.
It would have been better if ECOWAS pretended to renegotiate the trade deals
with the ex-members and end up conferring them with most of the existing privileges
than the blanket rights extended to ex-members.

It cost the UK billions of dollars to leave the EU along with revoked privileges,
but ECOWAS ex-members are making gains and keeping all membership privileges.

TimeManager:
The big difference is that these ECOWAS members pulling out are military juntas, they don't have the referendum of their citizens. So, it is wise for ECOWAS to open the channels for a return of democratic rule in those countries.


-Kiss the truth!

obi4eze:

iwaeda:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/01/just-in-burkina-faso-niger-mali-have-left-but-citizens-privileges-remain-ecowas/

iwaeda:
Is Nigeria practising democracy now. Bite the truth.

Xisnin:
Spineless ECOWAS still indirectly begging them.
Ordinarily, there should be a new negotiation when a country leave an economic union.

All UK's EU's privileges were revoked when it left, same thing should happen to
those land-locked state and not appeasing them.

With this position, ECOWAS just signal that it is a completely
fruitless organization that offers no advantage to being a member.
Any member that also wants to leave can now leave since all their privileges will be
maintained.

keepingmum:
How do you accuse ECOWAS that they haven't helped you fight Jihadists violence yet you jump in bed with Turkey & Iran?? Countries that have been accused of sponsoring Jihadists to destabilise other nations?

Ecowas may have its flaws and you, as a leader of a sovereign nation reserves the right to withdraw your membership from Ecowas but your rationale should be more accurate.

May Africa as a continent get it right 🙏🏽