The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger — have formally adopted a record of consultation to launch negotiations on the full withdrawal of the three military-led nations from the regional bloc.
The milestone meeting, held on Thursday, May 22, 2025, in Bamako, Mali, brought together the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and the foreign ministers of the AES member states. The talks mark the beginning of a structured exit process, months after the three nations announced their intention to leave ECOWAS.
A statement issued by Joel Ahofodji, Director of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, described the meeting as a precursor to broader negotiations on critical issues arising from the AES withdrawal. The deliberations covered a wide range of subjects, including political, legal, diplomatic, security, administrative, economic, and social matters.
According to the statement, the two parties adopted a summary record of consultations to guide the negotiation process; they also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving regional integration gains, such as the free movement of people and goods, until new bilateral or multilateral agreements are reached.
Both ECOWAS and the AES bloc expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security landscape in the Sahel and agreed on the need for joint efforts to combat terrorism and stabilize the region.
The parties praised the spirit of fraternity and responsibility that characterized these initial direct exchanges and agreed to continue them, always guided by the interests of West African populations, the statement added.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all under military rule, had earlier declared their exit from ECOWAS in protest against the sanctions imposed on them following unconstitutional changes in government. The AES bloc formally notified ECOWAS of their decision in January 2025, triggering a one-year notice period in line with the bloc’s protocols.
ECOWAS formally acknowledged the departure of the three countries on January 29, 2025, on agreement that while the exit had taken effect, transitional arrangements would remain in place pending the outcome of negotiations.
These include the continued recognition of ECOWAS passports and identity cards for citizens of the withdrawing countries and the temporary maintenance of trade under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
The Bamako meeting now sets the tone for what is expected to be a complex negotiation process with far-reaching implications for regional diplomacy, trade, and security cooperation in West Africa.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court has dismissed a suit filed by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) against Nigeria over the non-creation of a sixth state in the South-East geopolitical zone, unlike other zones.
The case was brought by the Incorporated Trustees of the Prince and Princess Charles Offokaja Foundation.
The NGO argued that Nigeria’s failure to establish a sixth state in the South-east geopolitical zone was discriminatory towards its people and undermined the country’s geopolitical structure.
In delivering judgment, the ECOWAS Court ruled that the creation of states within the Federal Republic of Nigeria falls under the constitutional prerogative of the country.
The court unanimously dismissed the application, emphasising that Nigeria’s decision not to create an additional state in the South-East did not violate its obligations under regional and international human rights instruments.
Presiding Judge, Justice Dupe Atoki, further stated that the South-East zone had adequate representation within Nigeria’s governance structure, and there was no evidence of discriminatory intent or effect in the current geopolitical arrangement.
She added that the mere creation of an additional state does not necessarily guarantee developmental outcomes, as the applicant had claimed.
The court also noted that the applicant failed to establish a causal link between the absence of a sixth state and the alleged violations of the right to development.
“The Respondent State has not breached its obligations under Article 19 or Article 22 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, nor under Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,” the court stated.
The applicant, registered under Nigerian law, had filed the suit under Article 19 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The NGO further argued that the alleged imbalance deprived the South-East of developmental benefits, including infrastructure, revenue allocations, and employment opportunities, in violation of Article 22 of the African Charter.
A second applicant, a Switzerland-based non-governmental organisation, was earlier removed from the proceedings due to a lack of jurisdictional basis.
The three-member panel, presided over by Justice Atoki, also included Justice Edward Asante as Judge Rapporteur and Justice Gbéri-Bè Ouattara as a member.
The announcement was made yesterday at a press conference in Abuja by the ECOWAS Commission, the sponsor of the marathon.
According to ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb. Francis Njoaguani, who also serves as the Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee, the first West African runner to cross the finish line will receive $1,000.
The second-place finisher will earn $500, while the third, fourth, and fifth-place runners will receive $400, $250, and $200, respectively.
This initiative is aimed at encouraging regional participation and celebrating home-grown talent.
Njoaguani emphasized ECOWAS’ long-term vision to elevate the marathon to international prominence.
He stated that the goal is to achieve the World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally.
Currently, the marathon stands as the most lucrative half marathon in Africa, offering an impressive prize structure for both men and women.
Winners of the 21km race will each take home $10,000, while second and third-place finishers will earn $5,000 and $4,000, respectively.
The fourth-place runner will receive $3,500, followed by $3,000 for the fifth, $2,500 for the sixth, $2,000 for the seventh, $1,500 for the eighth, $1,200 for the ninth, and $1,000 for the tenth-place finisher.
In the 5km category, the first-place winner will receive $1,000, the second-place finisher $300, the third-place $250, the fourth-place $150, and the fifth-place $100.
Njoaguani expressed his delight at the marathon’s rapid growth and increasing popularity. He recalled the challenges faced in its early years but noted that it has since evolved into a highly anticipated sporting event.
The 2025 edition, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of ECOWAS, is expected to attract over 5000 runners from across the globe.
To mark this milestone, ECOWAS is fully sponsoring runners from all member states, both men and women, to participate.
Additionally, significant interest has been shown by runners from Ghana, Senegal, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as from other regions beyond Africa, including the United States, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Switzerland.
For this edition, some minor adjustments have been made to the race routes.
The 21km race will begin and end at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters, ensuring a seamless and well-coordinated course for participants.
Meanwhile, the 5km race will start Independence Drive by Sahad Stores and CDB and conclude at the ECOWAS Commission.
Beyond its competitive aspect, the marathon serves as a unifying platform for West African nations. Njoaguani highlighted that the marathon is more than just a race, emphasizing that it is a means of fostering regional integration, bringing people together to interact, celebrate fitness, and strengthen the bonds within the community.
It called on member states to intensify their cooperation in intelligence-sharing and border security following the attacks carried out in the Point Trible area by unidentified armed men.
It expressed its deepest condolences to the government, security forces, people of the Republic of Benin and the families of the brave soldiers, who lost their lives protecting their country.
The commission said it remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicate terrorism in West Africa, including through the on-going operationalisation of the Counterterrorism Plan of Action in all its forms.
The commission in a communique on the attacks issued in Abuja stated: “The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) unequivocally condemns the heinous attacks in the Point Trible area by unidentified armed men on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, which resulted in dozens of casualties.
“The ECOWAS Commission expresses its deepest condolences to the Government, security forces, and people of the Republic of Benin, as well as to the families of the brave soldiers, who lost their lives protecting their country and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.
“ECOWAS remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicate terrorism in West Africa, including through the on-going operationalisation of the Counterterrorism Plan of Action in all its forms.
“ECOWAS calls on all Member States to intensify their cooperation in intelligence sharing and border security. ECOWAS expresses its full solidarity with the Government and people of Benin. It reiterates its determination to accompany member states in their efforts to ensure the safety and security of community citizens.”
The decision, taken by the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, marks a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa.
Disclosing this decision at the end of the 66th Ordinary Summit of the Authority of Heads of State and ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, said the three countries will formally cease to be members of ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, in accordance with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty.
Following their notifications to withdraw, the regional bloc outlined a transitional period from January 29 to July 29, 2025, keeping its doors open for the countries to reconsider their decision.
Acknowledging the diplomatic efforts led by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, and ECOWAS Chairman Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bloc emphasized its commitment to fostering dialogue.
He further said the Authority has extended the mandates of Presidents Gnassingbé and Faye to continue mediation efforts throughout the transition period.
He said ECOWAS, during the transitional phase, will focus on preparing for the separation.
ECOWAS also tasked its Commission President with initiating withdrawal formalities after January 29, 2025, and developing a contingency plan to address political and economic relations with the departing nations.
Additionally, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers will convene an extraordinary session in mid-2025 to finalize separation modalities and the contingency plan.
“The part of the communique I’ll be reading relates to the decision of the Republic of Mali, the Republic of Niger and Burkina Faso, to withdraw from ECOWAS.
“After deliberations, their excellencies, members of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, commend the exemplary diplomatic engagement of His Excellency, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal, and His Excellency Faure Gnassingbé, President of the Togolese Republic, and the diplomatic efforts of the Chairman of Authority, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other individual member states towards these three countries.
“The authority takes note of the notification by Burkina Faso, the 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 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.
“The Authority directs the Council of Ministers to convene an extraordinary session during the second quarter of 2025 to consider and adopt both separation modalities and the contingency plan covering political and economic relations between ECOWAS and the Republic of Niger, the Republic of Mali and Burkina Faso”, Touray said.
In January 2024, the three countries of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria announced their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.
They accused the regional bloc of deviating from its foundational ideals and succumbing to external influences, particularly criticising the imposition of sanctions aimed at reversing their respective coups.
This decision followed a series of military takeovers: Mali in 2020 and 2021, Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in 2023, each leading to suspensions from ECOWAS and strained relations with the organisation.
In his closing remarks, President Tinubu commended the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government for spirited discussions throughout the Summit.
He noted that the collective resolve underscored their strength to address 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.
“I call on all Member States to redouble their efforts in ensuring that the decisions reached here translate into tangible benefits for our citizens,” he said.
The Nigerian leader 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, to build ECOWAS as a community of peoples anchored on the ideals of freedom, justice, democracy, and a vision of good governance that addresses the legitimate aspirations of our people,” he said.
President Tinubu congratulated the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, as he attended his valedictory session as AUC Chair.
He further praised Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, whom he fondly called “Mr. Democrat,” and wished him resounding success.
He said ECOWAS will continue to draw from President Akufo-Addo’s fountain of wisdom.
