Tuesday, December 17, 2024 -The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month window, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga stated that the President of the ECOWAS
Commission, Omar Touray, announced the decision on Sunday, December 15, in
Abuja during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of
State and Government.
“The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina
Faso, Republic of Mali, and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw
from ECOWAS. The Authority acknowledges that by the provisions of Article 91 of
the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be
members of ECOWAS from January 29, 2025,” Touray stated.
He added, “The Authority decides to set the period from January 29,
2025, to July 29, 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open
to the three countries during the transition period.”
During this time, ECOWAS has extended the mandates of Togolese President
Faure Gnassingbé and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to mediate
efforts to reintegrate the three nations.
Touray further noted, “The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to
convene an Extraordinary Session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider
and adopt both separation modalities and a contingency plan covering political
and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger, Republic of
Mali, and Burkina Faso.”
ECOWAS leaders commended the diplomatic efforts of President Bola Tinubu
of Nigeria, Presidents Gnassingbé and Faye, and other member states for their
continued engagement with the three countries.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of
unity and commitment to the principles of ECOWAS.
“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us
remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the
principles that bind us together as a Community. I call on all member states to
redouble their efforts in ensuring that the decisions reached here translate
into tangible benefits for our citizens,” Tinubu said.
He further called on leaders to work toward a peaceful, secure, and
prosperous West Africa, grounded in ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and
good governance.
Tinubu also praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, referring to him as “Mr. Democrat,” and highlighted the significant contributions of outgoing African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Mahamat.
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