The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has established a special committee to negotiate future engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, following their official exit from the regional bloc on January 29, 2025.

ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray confirmed that under Article 91 of the ECOWAS Treaty, member states are required to provide a one-year notice before withdrawal.

To minimize disruptions, ECOWAS assured that citizens of the departing nations could still travel using passports and identity cards bearing the bloc’s logo, while trade and economic activities would continue under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme until further agreements are reached. 

Touray also noted that negotiations would determine the modalities for continued cooperation, particularly in regional security and economic matters. While discussions are expected with at least two of the departing nations, ECOWAS confirmed that citizens from these countries employed within its institutions would lose their positions, as stipulated under Article 53 of the Staff Regulations.