The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has taken a significant step towards maintaining regional cooperation by granting concessions to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, despite their exit from the bloc. Effective January 29, 2025, the three countries officially withdrew from ECOWAS, but the regional organization has chosen to maintain a spirit of brotherhood and extend several policies to support the former members.

The ECOWAS bloc has emphasized its open-door policy for continued engagement with the three countries and has urged other member states to remain open to future cooperation. This move is seen as a crucial step in maintaining regional stability and promoting economic growth in the face of uncertainty.

One of the key concessions granted by ECOWAS is the recognition of national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by citizens of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. This will allow citizens of these countries to continue enjoying visa-free movement, residence, and establishment rights within the region, in line with ECOWAS protocols, until further notice.

In addition, ECOWAS member countries have been instructed to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy. This will ensure that trade and economic activities between the countries continue uninterrupted, despite their exit from the bloc.

The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on the modalities for future engagement with the three countries, aiming to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of citizens during this transition period. This move is seen as a positive step towards maintaining regional cooperation and promoting economic growth in the face of uncertainty.

The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS has significant implications for the region. The three countries, which are now led by military juntas, have sought support from Moscow, with Russia's Africa Corps replacing the Wagner Group, sending mercenaries to assist the military regimes in maintaining control.

The departure of these countries has further fractured the region, leaving the bloc's future uncertain. With these countries exiting, approximately 73 million people are leaving the community, and the bloc's geographical area has been reduced by more than half. However, the combined economic output of the remaining ECOWAS member states will be reduced by only 8%, as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso rank among the world's 10 least developed countries.

Despite the challenges posed by the exit of these countries, ECOWAS' decision to grant concessions and maintain regional cooperation is a positive step towards promoting economic growth and stability in the region. As the bloc navigates this transition period, it remains to be seen how the relationship between ECOWAS and the three exiting countries will evolve in the future.