The Economic Community of West African States has officially accepted the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso as member states from January 29, 2025.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Touray, who announced this at the close of the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said the Commission acknowledged the notification of withdrawal by the three countries and outlined the timeline and process for their departure in accordance with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty. ECOWAS also declared a six-month transition period lasting until July 2025.

Our Correspondent, Raliat Adenekan reports that the Authority mandated President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal to continue to mediate with the 3 countries until the end of the transition period, while, the commission is tasked with preparing a contingency plan addressing political and economic relations with the three countries.

Also speaking at the closing, ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu urged all member states to redouble their efforts in ensuring that decision reached at the meeting translates into tangible benefit for the nations.

President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, as he attended his valedictory session as AUC Chair.

He further praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he fondly called “Mr. Democrat,” and wished him resounding success.