ECOWAS gives ultimatum, six-month grace period for Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger to reconsider exit

I In a decisive move to preserve regional unity, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has granted Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger a six-month window—from January 29 to July 29, 2025—to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the bloc.

This was announced by Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, during the 66th Ordinary Session of the Heads of State and Government held in Abuja on Sunday.

Dr. Touray stated, “The Authority takes note of the notification by the Republic of Burkina Faso, Republic of Mali and Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS. The Authority decides to set the period from January 29, 2025 to July 29, 2025, as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.”


To facilitate reconciliation, the mandates of President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal have been extended to continue their mediation efforts throughout this period. However, ECOWAS also laid out plans for potential separation if the countries do not reconsider. Dr. Touray further noted, “Without prejudice to the spirit of the opening, the Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the end of the deadline of January 29, 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.”

The Council of Ministers is expected to convene an Extraordinary Session in the second quarter of 2025 to discuss the separation modalities and future political and economic relations with the three nations.

ECOWAS leaders praised the diplomatic efforts of key figures, including President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, who chairs the Authority of ECOWAS, and the mediatory roles played by Presidents Gnassingbé and Faye. In his closing remarks, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and collective resolve, “As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community.”

He further urged member states to ensure that decisions translate into tangible benefits: “Together, let us continue to champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa.”

President Tinubu also acknowledged the contributions of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he referred to as “Mr. Democrat”, and thanked Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, for his service.