The Sahel countries announced their exit plans in 2024 after they accused the body of being influenced by former colonial powers. The military governments formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and announced plans to create a joint military force of 5,000 troops to “fight terrorism”.
The three nations have also introduced a shared passport system to “allow free movement between their territories”.
Ecowas has, however, urged its members to continue to treat goods and services coming from the three countries “in accordance with the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policy”, and to allow their citizens visa-free movement “until further notice”.
Thousands of people have rallied in Niger and Burkina Faso in support of their countries’ withdrawal from Ecowas.
