Nigeria Invites Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso To West African Economic Summit Despite Exiting ECOWAS
Nigeria Invites Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso To West African Economic Summit Despite Exiting ECOWAS
He argued that the nations remain Nigeria’s neighbours, partners, and integral stakeholders in the “future of West Africa’s economic transformation.”
Despite exiting membership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Nigeria has extended invitations to Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali to attend the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit.
While announcing the development during a press briefing in Abuja, the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, defended the move, noting that exiting ECOWAS does not mean the three nations are no longer West African countries.
The event is scheduled to hold at the Abuja International Conference Centre, between June 20 and 21, 2025.
“While it is true that three countries in our region have chosen to depart from ECOWAS, this does not sever the bonds of trade, cooperation, and shared destiny that unite us as West Africans.
He argued that the nations remain Nigeria’s neighbours, partners, and integral stakeholders in the “future of West Africa’s economic transformation.”
Speaking further, he noted that “trade does not stop because of membership status.”
Citing an instance, Tugar stated that Nigeria and Niger continue to “cooperate actively through joint commissions and development projects, even beyond ECOWAS structures.”
“Similarly, business activities, cross-border trade, and infrastructure collaborations with Burkina Faso and Mali remain ongoing,” Tuggar noted.
In January, SaharaReporters reported that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic officially withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The withdrawal of these three nations marked a significant shift in the regional bloc, raising concerns about its future cohesion.
While acknowledging the development, ECOWAS in a statement outlined measures to ensure minimal disruption.
“In the spirit of regional solidarity and in the interest of the people, as well as the decision of the ECOWAS Authority to keep ECOWAS’ doors open, all relevant authorities within and outside ECOWAS Member States are requested and required to: recognise National passports and identity cards bearing ECOWAS logo held by the citizens of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger, until further notice,” it said.
Regarding trade relations, the statement emphasised that ECOWAS members should “continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy.”
Additionally, ECOWAS assured that the affected countries’ citizens would retain their mobility rights.
“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,” it said.
The regional body also urged continued cooperation with officials from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
“Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community,” it said.
Earlier in May 2024, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were reported to have finalised plans to form a new confederation, the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States, marking a geopolitical shift in the region.
The announcement was made following a meeting of the three nations’ foreign ministers in Niger’s capital, Niamey, as reported by AFP.
Niger’s Foreign Minister, Bakary Sangare, confirmed the finalisation of the draft text that outlines the institutionalisation and operationalisation of the AES.
