ECOWAS Endorses Pull Out Of Three Countries From Regional Bloc

By Ayodele Oni

After failed attempt to make them rescind decision to quit the West African regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States,  (ECOWAS) has officially given nod to the exit of three of its former members Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger Republic.

The approval which becomes effective from Wednesday, was sequel to the expiration of a one-year notice period.

ECOWAS in a statement however stated that, in “the spirit of regional solidarity”, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) asked its member countries to still recognise the national passports of the three exiting countries bearing the ECOWAS logo until further notice.”

ECOWAS Authority also said its doors remain open for more engagements with the three countries and thus requested its member states to:

“Recognize 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.

“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.

“Provide full support and cooperation to ECOWAS officials from the three countries in the course of their assignments for the Community.”

“These arrangements will be in place until the full determination of the modalities of our future engagement with the three countries by the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

“The Commission has set up a structure to facilitate discussions on these modalities with each of the three countries.

“This message is necessary to avoid confusion and disruption in the lives and businesses of our people during this transition period.”