The three Sahel nations exited ECOWAS in January 2025 following political upheavals involving undemocratic changes of government. They have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States and introduced a shared travel document.
However, ECOWAS President Alieu Touray revealed during a Tuesday address at a trade initiative launch that the regional body has agreed to keep the status quo in place for trade and free movement until a new agreement is finalized.
Touray emphasized that the decision prioritizes the welfare of the citizens of West Africa and supports continued regional cooperation. The initiative, aimed at boosting trade across the region, is being implemented in partnership with international organizations and governments, including UNIDO, GIZ, the EU, Germany, Spain, Expertise France, AECID, FIAP, and ITC.
Speaking about the agreement reached at an April 2025 meeting in Accra, Ghana, Touray said, “We have agreed that until we adopt a new agreement, we will maintain the status quo in all areas. Status quo in trade, status quo in free movement. We will also continue exploring collaboration in peace and security.”
He further noted that although ECOWAS has lost some members, the community still represents a population of 400 million people who will continue to enjoy free movement and trade within the sub-region.
“The institutional changes do not affect the everyday lives of our citizens,” Touray explained. “Our main goal remains ensuring that the people of West Africa benefit from the regional integration efforts developed over the past 50 years.”
The commitment to maintain seamless trade and movement reflects ECOWAS’s ongoing dedication to regional unity and cooperation despite recent political challenges.
