The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially recognized the withdrawal of AES member states—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—and initiated a six-month transition period.

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, announced the decision during the 66th ordinary summit of heads of state and government. He emphasized that the resolution aligns with Article 91 of the ECOWAS treaties, respecting the sovereignty of member states.

This acknowledgment follows the trio’s firm stance on exiting the bloc by January 29, 2025, as declared a day before the summit. The development marks a significant shift in the subregional political landscape.