President of the Economic Community of West African States Commission Omar Alieu Touray acknowledged that Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso would formally leave the regional block on Jan. 29 but announced that the three countries would enjoy a six-month grace period, Radio France Internationale reported on Dec. 15. The grace period will enable Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso to continue enjoying the benefits of ECOWAS membership and entitle the three countries to reverse their decision to exit the bloc.