The Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS has granted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month grace period from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the bloc.
Announcing this after the 66th Ordinary Session in Abuja, Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, said:
“The Authority takes note of the notification by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS. By Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, their official exit is set for January 29, 2025. However, the Authority has decided to keep its doors open during a transitional period until July 29, 2025.”
The Authority extended the mediation mandates of Presidents Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal to facilitate dialogue with the three nations.
“In the spirit of unity, the President of the ECOWAS Commission will prepare formal withdrawal plans while drawing up a contingency plan covering political and economic relations,” Touray stated.
President Bola Tinubu praised the bloc’s collective efforts during the summit, calling for unity and steadfast implementation of the decisions reached.
“As leaders, let us champion a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa anchored on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and good governance,” Tinubu urged.
The Nigerian leader commended outgoing AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and celebrated Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he described as “Mr. Democrat,” for his unwavering support for the region.
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