ECOWAS Ministers to Discuss Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Withdrawal in Accra

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will hold an important meeting in Accra, Ghana, from April 22 to 23, 2025. The session will focus on the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.

Joel Ahofodji, the Director of Communications at ECOWAS, confirmed that the meeting will discuss the process and impact of the countries’ exit. It will also look at how it will affect ECOWAS institutions and agencies in those countries. Additionally, other important regional issues will be addressed during the session.

A source within ECOWAS said that the ministers attending will likely approve a plan for the exit process. This will also set the stage for future talks between ECOWAS and the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which includes Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

This comes after the three countries announced their withdrawal in January 2024, which officially took effect in January 2025. Even though ECOWAS gave them six more months to reconsider, the countries have firmly decided to leave.

Meanwhile, 130 citizens from these countries working with ECOWAS have received letters informing them of their departure. According to ECOWAS staff rules, these workers must leave by September 2025 because they will no longer be eligible to work for ECOWAS after their countries leave.

ECOWAS had initially allowed these workers to stay on as a gesture of goodwill. However, with the formal withdrawal happening, they must leave by September.

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, confirmed that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially began on January 29, 2025. He said the next step is to begin formal talks about their exit and future cooperation between ECOWAS and the three countries.

Touray added that, despite the withdrawal, ECOWAS will continue working with the AES countries on trade, security, and other regional issues. He also confirmed that the current system allowing free movement of goods and people will remain in place until new arrangements are made.