The three military-led West African nations—Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—have formally withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement on Wednesday, the ECOWAS Commission confirmed: “The withdrawal of Burkina Faso, the Republic of Mali, and the Republic of Niger from ECOWAS has become effective today, 29th January 2025.”

Despite their exit, ECOWAS assured that passports and identity cards bearing its logo will remain valid for travel within the region.

Here is the full list of the remaining ECOWAS member states:

1. Benin

2. Cabo Verde

3. Côte d’Ivoire

4. The Gambia

5. Ghana

6. Guinea

7. Guinea Bissau

8. Liberia

9. Nigeria

10. Senegal

11. Sierra Leone

12. Togo (Nation)