Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, says there is still hope that Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger will rejoin the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), despite their recent withdrawal and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
Speaking on May 27, 2025, Tuggar stressed that ECOWAS has “not given up” on the three countries, which are currently led by military governments. He emphasized that the regional bloc remains open to dialogue and reconciliation.
“These countries are our neighbors, our brothers. ECOWAS continues to engage them with the hope of reintegration for the sake of regional peace and prosperity,” Tuggar said.
The three nations formally exited ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s responses to their internal political situations and a perceived lack of regional autonomy. However, Tuggar warned that this withdrawal could carry serious consequences for regional security, economic integration, and stability.
Despite the split, ECOWAS has maintained some cooperative measures—citizens from the breakaway countries still enjoy visa-free travel within ECOWAS borders, and their national passports bearing the ECOWAS logo remain valid.
Tuggar acknowledged the political and security challenges at play but urged continued engagement and diplomacy. He remains confident that with sustained efforts, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger may reconsider their position and return to the regional fold.
