Abuja, Nigeria –The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that it will maintain existing arrangements on free movement of people and trade with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic, despite the trio’s official withdrawal from the bloc in January 2025.
The three Sahel countries exited ECOWAS following diplomatic tensions sparked by their military takeovers, which the regional body condemned as unconstitutional.
In response, they formed the Alliance of Sahel States and introduced a shared travel document to strengthen regional ties among themselves.
However, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray stated that the regional bloc had resolved to maintain the status quo on cross-border movement and economic exchange until a new framework is established.
Dr. Touray, who made this known during the launch of four ECOWAS trade facilitation initiatives in partnership with UNIDO, GIZ, the European Union, the governments of Germany and Spain, Expertise France, AECID, FIAP, and ITC, emphasized that the decision prioritizes the welfare of citizens across the region.
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Speaking at the launch, which followed a key meeting in Accra, Ghana in April 2025, Touray said:
“We have agreed that until a new agreement is in place, we will maintain the status quo in trade, in free movement, and in cooperation on peace and security.”
He acknowledged the political shift within ECOWAS but insisted that regional integration efforts remain intact.
“Though ECOWAS has lost three member states, ECOWAS remains a community of 400 million people. These people will continue to enjoy the benefits of regional integration, especially in terms of mobility and trade,” he stated.
Touray reiterated that the institutional structures for cooperation remain functional and unchanged for the ordinary citizens of the region, highlighting that the ongoing engagement ensures continued socio-economic development in West Africa. Touray emphasized the steadfast commitment to cooperation within the Alliance of Sahel States and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), underlining the critical roles of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The existing institutional frameworks stand as pillars for regional progress, ensuring sustained socio-economic advancement in West Africa.
“The objective is clear to make sure the people of West Africa continue to benefit from what has been built over the last 50 years.”
