Bamako, Mali (PANA) - The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger said on Sunday that it is “a visa-free zone” for all nationals of member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It said in a declaration that ECOWAS nationals have the right to enter, travel, reside, settle, and leave their territory in compliance with national laws.
However, the Member States of the Alliance reserve the right, per their laws and regulations, to refuse entry into their territories to any ECOWAS national who “falls into the category of inadmissible immigrants”.
Private vehicles registered by an ECOWAS Member State may enter the territory of an ESA Member State, per the laws in force.
Commercial vehicles registered in an ECOWAS Member State and carrying passengers may enter the territory of an ESA Member State.
The three ESA countries have decided to withdraw from ECOWAS.
-0- PANA GT/JSG/SOC/MTA/MA 16Dec2024
