ABUJA, Nigeria – In response to a joint statement by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrawing from the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, the regional body has expressed its willingness to engage in negotiations with these nations.
A statement released by the ECOWAS Commission on Saturday, January 28, 2024, outlines the current situation and the Commission’s stance.
The ECOWAS Commission acknowledged awareness of the broadcast statement on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger, announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
However, the Commission noted that it has not yet received any formal direct notification from the three member states regarding their intention to leave the Community. 
In its communique, the ECOWAS Commission, under the directive of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, emphasised its ongoing efforts to work with these countries towards restoring constitutional order.
The Commission reaffirmed the importance of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali as members of the Community and the Authority’s commitment to a negotiated solution to the current political impasse.
The statement concluded with the ECOWAS Commission expressing its continuous engagement with the development and promising further pronouncements as the situation evolves.
The communique was issued from the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on 28 January 2024.
The full communique is republished below:
The attention of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS Commission) has been drawn to a statement broadcast on the National Televisions of Mali and Niger announcing the decision of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS.
The ECOWAS Commission is yet to receive any direct formal notification from the three Member States about their intention to withdraw from the Community.
The ECOWAS Commission, as directed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, has been working assiduously with these countries for the restoration of constitutional order. Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali remain important members of the Community and the Authority remains committed to finding a negotiated solution to the political impasse.
The ECOWAS Commission remains seized with the development and shall make further pronouncements as the situation evolves.
Abuja, 28 January 2024
