Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Introduce Visa-Free Travel for ECOWAS Citizens

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have announced a visa-free travel and residency policy for citizens of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a move aimed at preserving regional ties despite their planned withdrawal from the bloc.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions following military coups in these countries between 2020 and 2022, which led to their suspension from ECOWAS and subsequent intention to leave the regional organization.

Despite being landlocked and low-income nations, the three countries have committed to maintaining freedom of movement for ECOWAS citizens. Their policy allows entry, circulation, residence, establishment, and departure across their territories.

ECOWAS leaders have responded by offering a transitional period from January 29 to July 29, 2025, during which the countries can rejoin the bloc. Negotiations will be led by Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé.

The departure would significantly impact ECOWAS, reducing its population by 76 million people and cutting more than half its geographical area. The three nations have formed a new Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and are increasingly seeking support from Russia.

Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, described the situation as “disheartening” but remains hopeful about potential reconciliation. The military juntas, however, have declared their decision to leave as “irreversible.”

The countries’ exit stems from ECOWAS sanctions imposed after their military coups, with the bloc demanding a return to democratic governance. The coup leaders have criticized ECOWAS for what they perceive as alignment with Western powers and failure to address regional security challenges.