The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a six-month ultimatum to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc. The grace period, running from January 29 to July 29, 2025, was announced following the 66th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja on Sunday.
ECOWAS President, Dr. Omar Touray, stated that the ultimatum aligns with Article 91 of the Revised ECOWAS Treaty, which mandates a one-year waiting period for any member state wishing to exit. The extension allows ongoing mediation efforts by Presidents Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and Bassirou Faye of Senegal, alongside diplomatic engagements led by ECOWAS Chairman, President Bola Tinubu, to resolve the impasse.
“The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene during the second quarter of 2025 to consider separation modalities and a contingency plan covering political and economic relations with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger,” Touray declared.
The three nations initiated their withdrawal processes earlier this year following tensions with ECOWAS over sanctions imposed in response to military coups that toppled civilian governments. ECOWAS leaders reiterated their commitment to dialogue, applauding diplomatic interventions that aim to preserve regional unity and stability.
In his closing remarks, President Bola Tinubu urged member states to remain steadfast in their commitment to regional peace and development, emphasizing the bloc’s vision of “a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.”
