Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to introduce new biometric passports as part of their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in favor of a new Sahel alliance. The announcement was made by Mali’s leader, Assimi Goita, on Sunday.
The three Sahel countries, which have been under military rule, jointly declared their exit from ECOWAS in January. Burkina Faso has already begun issuing passports without the ECOWAS logo. Goita revealed that a new AES (Alliance of Sahel States) biometric passport will soon be introduced to standardize travel documents and enhance mobility across the region.
Goita also announced plans to establish a shared information channel to improve communication among the three nations. The new alliance’s formation anniversary meeting is scheduled for Monday, where foreign ministers from the three countries will discuss further collaboration.
ECOWAS has expressed concerns that the departure of these countries could disrupt the bloc’s common market and hinder the freedom of movement for its 400 million citizens. This decision comes amid ongoing conflicts with al-Qaeda and Islamic State-affiliated groups that have further destabilized the region and pose threats to neighboring coastal states.
