Sahel Alliance Announces Visa-Free Policy for ECOWAS Nationals

Sunday 15 December 2024 - 13:31

In a significant diplomatic move, the authorities of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have declared that their countries will now operate as a visa-free zone for citizens of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This announcement, made on a Saturday evening, marks a bold step by the three nations, which together form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Earlier this year, the three countries had already signaled their intention to withdraw from ECOWAS, an organization comprising 15 nations in West Africa. The move to create a visa-free space within the AES further strengthens their commitment to regional cooperation outside the ECOWAS framework.

Abdoulaye Diop, the Malian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, confirmed the new policy in a statement read on national television. "The Confederation of Sahel States (AES) is a visa-free space for all nationals of ECOWAS member states," he announced.

The declaration emphasizes that ECOWAS citizens now have the right to enter, circulate, reside, settle, and depart from the territories of the AES member states, provided they adhere to national regulations. Additionally, vehicles registered in ECOWAS member countries will be allowed to enter the AES states in accordance with existing laws.

This decision comes just ahead of the ECOWAS summit in Abuja, Nigeria, where heads of state and government will convene to discuss the situation in the region's transition countries. The AES ministers of foreign affairs reaffirmed their irreversible decision to withdraw from ECOWAS during a meeting in Niamey. Following the announcement earlier this year, the official withdrawal will take effect one year after the declaration.

The move represents a clear break from ECOWAS and reinforces the AES countries' desire to pursue a distinct regional path. This policy is seen as both a symbolic and practical step toward furthering cooperation within the Sahel region.