By Jana Nwoko
The President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr Omar Aliou Toure says the regional body will remain open for dialogue with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger despite their exit from the bloc.
He stated this in Abuja during a press confrence following the official exit of the three countris from the community.
Toure said that nationals of the three countries can continue using ECOWAS passports and identity cards until further notice.
He stressed that goods and services from these nations will also 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.
“Despite their exit, ECOWAS has introduced temporary measures to minimize disruptions for citizens and businesses.”
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 under military rule, announced their decision to leave ECOWAS last year, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s handling of security threats, economic hardships, and other regional challenges.
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 a new biometric passport, signaling their intent to fully separate from ECOWAS structures.
Dr. Touray clarified that ECOWAS has directed authorities within and outside the bloc to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo for now.
The interim measures, he added, will remain in place until the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government decides on the future relationship with the three countries.
