The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS has formally approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc from January 29, 2025.

It however gave the three countries up till July next year to reconsider their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc.

In a communiqué after ECOWAS heads of state meeting in Abuja on Sunday, the commission noted the decision of the three countries to withdraw from ECOWAS, adding that they would cease to be members officially from January 2025.

President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray who read the Communique said “the authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

“The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.

“In this regard, the authority extends the mandate of President Foure Gnassingbé of Togo, and President Faye of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.

“Without prejudice, for the spirit of the opening, The Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January, 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas” it said.