The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has given Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger six months to reconsider their decision to withdraw from the regional bloc. This decision was announced by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Touray, on Sunday in Abuja, following the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.
According to the communiqué, the six-month period, from January 29 to July 29, 2025, will serve as a transitional period, during which ECOWAS will keep its doors open to the three countries. The Authority has also extended the mandate of the President of Togo and the President of Senegal to continue their mediation role up to the end of the transition period.
In his closing remarks, President Bola Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for their spirited discussions throughout the Summit. He emphasized the importance of unity and collective resolve in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
“As we move forward to implement the outcomes of this Summit, let us remain united in our determination and steadfast in our commitment to the principles that bind us together as a Community,” President Tinubu said.
The Nigerian leader also encouraged the leaders to carry forward the optimism and the resolve that guided the deliberations. “Together, let us continue to champion the cause of a peaceful, secure, and prosperous West Africa,” he said.
The ECOWAS leaders commended the exemplary diplomatic engagement of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo, as well as the diplomatic efforts of President Tinubu and other individual member states toward the three countries.
In related developments, President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, and praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo for his democratic credentials.
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