- N196.8b projects launched to support peace, security, trade
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) yesterday said it has agreed to maintain the status quo regarding free movement and free trade with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) countries (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso) until further notice, despite their withdrawal from the regional bloc.
The three countries officially pulled out of the regional body in January 2025 due to a fallout occasioned by the undemocratic change of government in the three countries.
The three countries have since set up the Alliance of Sahel States, with their own common travel document.
Both parties in April commenced negotiations on the future engagement, with an agreement expected to be reached at the end of the negotiations.
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But before then, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, said the status quo on free movement of persons and goods and also trade will be maintained until a new agreement is in place.
Touray said the ECOWAS is more concerned about the welfare of the citizens.
He spoke at the launch of ECOWAS four initiatives aimed at enhancing trade in the West Africa Region.
The initiative is in conjunction with UNIDO, GIZ, the EU, the German and Spanish Governments, Expertise France, AECID, FIAP, and ITC.
Flagging off the launch, Touray said the agreement was reached at its meeting in Accra, Ghana in April 2025.
He said: “We have agreed until we adopt a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas.”