West African Junta-Led States Introduce New Biometric Passport Amid Break from Ecowas

Three West African nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—are preparing to introduce a new biometric passport "in the coming days" following their decision to leave the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). 

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The countries, which are now ruled by military juntas, have been under sanctions since their coups between 2020 and 2023. 

The decision to create the new passport is part of their efforts to establish independence from Ecowas, forming the Alliance of Sahel States.

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Mali's interim president, Col Assimi Goïta, confirmed in a televised address that the biometric passport will harmonize travel within the three countries and strengthen ties. 

He also mentioned the launch of a joint information service to promote unity across their territories. 

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The announcement comes as these nations continue to reject Ecowas's calls for the restoration of civilian rule, opting instead to build a "community of sovereign peoples."

While the passport strengthens ties within the Sahel alliance, it raises questions about the travel rights of citizens to other Ecowas countries, where they previously enjoyed visa-free movement. 

Despite Ecowas's ongoing diplomatic efforts, the alliance remains committed to solidifying its independence, with concerns about the region’s stability continuing to mount.

#WestAfrica |  #SahelStates |  #MilitaryJunta |  #BiometricPassport |  #Mali |  #BurkinaFaso |  #Niger |  #Ecowas