The President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Aliou Touray, says the regional body will remain open to dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger despite their departure from the bloc.
He made this announcement in Abuja during a press conference following the official exit of the three countries from the community.
He explained that despite their exit, ECOWAS has introduced temporary measures to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses.
He announced that nationals of these countries can continue using ECOWAS passports and identity cards until further notice.
According to him, goods and services from these nations will also continue to be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme, while their citizens retain the right to visa-free movement, residence, and business establishment within ECOWAS member states.
Dr. Touray also revealed that a framework has been established to facilitate discussions on future engagements between ECOWAS and the three nations.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all currently under military rule, announced their decision to leave ECOWAS last year due to dissatisfaction with the bloc’s handling of security threats, economic challenges, and other regional issues.
In response, ECOWAS, led by its Chairman, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attempted to negotiate with the governments of the departing states, but they remained firm in their decision.
As the withdrawal deadline approached, the three nations introduced new biometric passports, signaling their intent to fully separate from ECOWAS structures.
However, Dr. Touray clarified that ECOWAS has instructed authorities within and outside the bloc to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for the time being.
He added that the interim measures will remain in place until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government decides on the future relationship with the three countries.
