ECOWAS Allows Visa-Free Travel for Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger Citizens Despite Exit

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has told its member states to recognise the international passports of citizens of Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, despite the countries’ exit from the bloc.

The three West African countries are junta-led, and their military regimes show no hope for a return to democracy.

For instance, Burkina Faso had, in 2024, announced that it had extended its military rule to 2029.

Niger has been a junta-led country since 2023, with no plans to return to democracy anytime soon.

Mali, on the other hand, has been under military rule since 2020.

In 2024, the three countries informed ECOWAS of their intentions to exit the organisation.

However, per ECOWAS rules, member states must give a one-year notice before their exit becomes official, which became official on Wednesday.

Despite this, ECOWAS has been accommodating to them.

The bloc has announced that it will grant the three countries opportunities for engagement.

In a statement published by the regional bloc, it directed other member states to provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries during their assignments for the community and allow their citizens to enjoy visa-free movement in accordance with ECOWAS protocols.

The statement read: “Recognize national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger until further notice.

“Continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.

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

The three countries have formed a confederation called the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).