Members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have been asked to grant citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Republic free movements as the three countries formally exited the regional body from Wednesday January 29, 2025,
ECOWAS in a statement on Wednesday said it was keeping its doors open for the three countries in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people.
It told its members to “recognize National passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice”.
The three countries had notified on January 29, 2025 that it would formally quit the ECOWAS.
Members of ECOWAS were told to continue to accept goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.
“Allow citizens of the three affected countries to continue to enjoy the right of visa free movement, residence and establishment in accordance with the ECOWAS protocols until further notice,” it added.
More so, it urged members to continue providing full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.
“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” the statement clarified.
The Commission said it was going to engage in discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of the people during this transition period.
Citizens of the three countries took to the street on Tuesday to celebrate their exit from ECOWAS which they have accused of protecting the interest of France.
Citizens of the three countries on Tuesday took to the streets to jubilate as the new body namely Alliance of Sahelian States (AES) is about to launch their own uniform passport.
