The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Council of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting in Accra from April 22 to 23, 2025, to deliberate on the departure of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional body.
The high-level session comes at a symbolic moment, aligning with the launch of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary celebrations in the Ghanaian capital.
The three Sahelian nations announced their exit from ECOWAS in January 2025 after tensions escalated over the bloc’s demand for the restoration of civilian rule in Niger, following the 2023 coup. In response, the trio formed the Alliance of Sahel States and introduced their own biometric passports, signaling a deeper break from the West African bloc.
Despite their decision, ECOWAS has adopted a conciliatory stance, affirming its willingness to maintain ties. Member states agreed to continue recognizing Sahelian passports with ECOWAS markings, uphold trade agreements, and preserve diplomatic channels.
Last December, ECOWAS granted the departing states a six-month window to reconsider their withdrawal. Since then, efforts have been ongoing to bridge the divide.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has taken a lead role in mediation efforts, recently engaging leaders of the breakaway states to discuss pathways to reunification. In a show of goodwill, he extended an invitation to the ECOWAS 50th anniversary launch—a move seen as an olive branch to encourage reconciliation.
President Mahama also briefed ECOWAS Chairman, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the peace initiative. Sources say the proposal was welcomed, signaling a shared interest in reuniting the bloc.
The Accra meeting will explore key issues, including the logistics of withdrawal, its implications for ECOWAS structures, and the broader impact on regional integration, peace, and multilateral cooperation.
