Extraordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers on the Contingency Plan and Modalities on the Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Republics of Mali and Niger from ECOWAS Holds in Accra
The meeting, mandated by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, is expected to consider contingency plans and separation modalities, including the impact on programs, the relocation of institutions, and the continued free movement of people and goods across the region.
Welcoming delegates, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ghana, reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to the political and economic integration of West Africa. He praised the 50-year journey of ECOWAS and thanked the Authority of Heads of State and Government for entrusting Ghana with hosting the session. The meeting, he noted, is focused solely on discussing contingency plans following the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
'Though relations may be severed on paper, the realities on the ground tell a different story,' he stated, emphasising the deep cultural and economic ties that bind West Africans. Hon. Ablakwa called for wisdom, tact, and unity in navigating this sensitive period and reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to working closely with all Member States and the ECOWAS Commission to safeguard regional cohesion and the well-being of all citizens.
In his speech, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, reaffirmed the Community's commitment to safeguarding its core values amid the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. He noted that while these countries have benefitted from longstanding integration efforts—such as the Free Movement Protocol, ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS), and cross-sector regional development programs—their exit, effective 29 January 2025, requires a coordinated response.
'This meeting is expected to consider and agree on our future relations with the AES countries,' President Touray stated. He outlined the contingency plan developed across ECOWAS institutions, covering five critical areas: legal and institutional adjustments; market access and economic integration; peace and security cooperation; sectoral development programs; and human development, including education and health. He expressed confidence that all deliberations would be guided by the overarching goal of safeguarding the wellbeing of the region's people.
H.E. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, opened the Extraordinary Session of the Council with a call for unity and resilience as ECOWAS deliberates the unprecedented withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc.
While acknowledging the sovereignty of the departing states, Ambassador Tuggar urged Member States to remain focused on the long-term vision of regional integration and cooperation. He concluded by encouraging constructive deliberations and reaffirmed the Council's determination to protect and strengthen the ECOWAS legacy for future generations.
Burkina Faso and the Republics of Mali and Niger officially withdrew from ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, following the completion of a one-year notice period. This action was taken in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, which governs the withdrawal of membership by Member States.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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