Junta-led countries Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso officially left West Africa's main political and trade group ECOWAS on Wednesday after more than a year of diplomatic tensions. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have now formed their own confederation,

The deadline for the exit of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States is set to expire today, creating significant uncertainty within the region.

The passport, set to be available from January 29, is part of their new alliance, the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). The three countries, all led by military governments, say the passport will replace the ECOWAS passport.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) announced on Wednesday that Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso have officially withdrawn from the regional bloc, marking an unprecedented rupture after a year-long effort to prevent fragmentation.

The ECOWAS bloc has offered some concessions to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their exit from the union ・ECOWAS granted concessions to Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger following their exit from the union ・The bloc emphasized its open-door policy for continued engagement with the three countries ・ECOWAS instructed member states to recognize

ECOWAS has announced four key measures following the official withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the regional bloc on January 29, 2025.