West Africa's regional bloc ECOWAS has approved an exit timeline for three coup-hit nations after a nearly yearlong mediation process. The military juntas of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their decision to leave ECOWAS in January, citing sanctions and a lack of assistance in resolving internal security crises.
During the summit of regional heads of state in Abuja, ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray announced a transitional period from January 29, 2025, to July 29, 2025, allowing the three countries to leave while keeping ECOWAS doors open to them.
Efforts to reverse the withdrawal have been largely rebuffed by the coup-hit countries, with plans underway to issue travel documents separately and form their own alliance. The one-year notice for departure is expected to be completed in January.
ECOWAS President Bola Tinubu emphasized the importance of protecting citizens and fostering prosperity in the region amidst global challenges. The visa-free movement within ECOWAS member states may be affected by the departure of the three countries, potentially impacting free trade and movement of people.
While access to their territories will remain visa-free for other West African citizens, the three countries reserve the right to refuse entry to certain ECOWAS nationals. The departure of these nations poses a significant challenge to ECOWAS, which has been the top political authority in West Africa since its establishment in 1975.
The likelihood of the three countries rejoining ECOWAS is low due to differing priorities, with ECOWAS emphasizing a quick return to democracy. Allowing the military juntas to remain in power could lead to further regional fragmentation, while recognizing them as legitimate authorities would contradict ECOWAS's founding principles.
Analysts suggest that ECOWAS's responses to coups in the region have been inconsistent, potentially influenced by member states' political ambitions rather than democratic governance principles.
