ECOWAS Maintains Open Borders for Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that despite the formal withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc on Wednesday, citizens and businesses from these nations will continue to enjoy key membership benefits to uphold regional stability.

In an official statement released on January 29, 2025, ECOWAS confirmed that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region. Additionally, trade and economic activities will proceed under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, allowing goods and services from the three countries to move freely.

According to the statement, citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will retain visa-free access and rights to residence and establishment across ECOWAS member states.

“In the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the ECOWAS Authority’s decision to keep its doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside the bloc are required to:

• Recognize national passports and identity cards featuring the ECOWAS logo from citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice.
  
• Continue treating goods and services from these countries under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme and investment policies.
  
• Maintain visa-free movement, residence, and establishment rights for citizens of the three nations in line with ECOWAS protocols.
  
• Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from these countries in carrying out their duties for the Community.”

To ensure a smooth transition and prevent disruptions affecting millions who rely on cross-border movement and trade, ECOWAS has established a special committee to negotiate future relations with the three nations.

The statement further emphasized that these arrangements will remain in effect until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government determines the modalities for future engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.