The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has urged member states to recognise and allocate benefits to the citizens of three of its former member states that recently withdrew from the regional bloc.

The countries in question are Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all of which are currently led by military juntas. The three states have been at odds with ECOWAS authorities following their military takeovers.

The bloc had previously threatened sanctions against the juntas if they failed to organise democratic elections and hand over power to civilian rule.

However, the juntas defied these threats and responded by withdrawing from ECOWAS.

After ECOWAS backed down and called for an amicable resolution, the juntas rejected the proposal.

In a communiqué, ECOWAS stated that the withdrawal of the three states took effect on January 29, 2024.

“However, in the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as in line with the decision of the ECOWAS Conference to keep ECOWAS doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS member states are requested and obliged to:

“Recognise the passports and national identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo of citizens from Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger until further notice.

“Continue treating goods and services from these three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies.

“Allow the citizens of the three affected countries to continue enjoying the right of free movement, residence, and establishment with visa exemption, in accordance with ECOWAS protocols, until further notice.”

By Adama Makasuba