For Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso, a recent decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) has thrown up questions about how they will navigate regional mobility in future. Ecowas covers a variety of sectors, but migration is a major one. The bloc’s protocols since 1979 have long been seen as a shining example of free movement on the continent. They gave citizens the right to move between countries in the region without a visa, and a prospective right of residence and setting up businesses.
As multidisciplinary scholars, Franzisca Zanker, Amanda Bisong, and Leonie Jegen have previously researched migration governance in west Africa, at the regional level, and in particular contexts like Niger. In an article for The Conversation, they argue that Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso have much to lose if their departure from Ecowas curtails mobility. But it is likely that informal mobility will continue anyway.
You can find the full article on the website of The Conversation.