Burkina Faso has taken a significant step towards finalizing its departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by introducing new biometric passports that omit any reference to the regional bloc. The move comes amid a broader shift by Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali—three neighboring states now led by military juntas—to sever ties with the 15-member alliance.
The introduction of the new passports, which lack the ECOWAS logo or any mention of the organization, marks a key milestone in Burkina Faso’s withdrawal process. Announced during a press conference on Tuesday, Burkina Faso’s security minister, Mahamadou Sana, emphasized the significance of the new passports. “On this passport, there’s no ECOWAS logo, and no mention of ECOWAS either. Since January, Burkina Faso has decided to withdraw from this body, and this is just a realisation of the action already taken by Burkina Faso,” Sana told reporters.
This decision follows a military coup that brought Burkina Faso’s current leadership to power. It reinforces the country’s determination to cut ties with ECOWAS, a regional organization that has been instrumental in promoting economic cooperation and political stability in West Africa for over 50 years.
Joint Withdrawal by Three Countries
In January, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali jointly announced their intention to leave ECOWAS. The three countries, now governed by military regimes, have cited their decision to exit the bloc as part of a broader realignment of their political and economic affiliations. Since the announcement, ECOWAS has been working to persuade the three nations to reconsider their decision. However, the recent passport launch indicates Burkina Faso’s firm commitment to moving forward with the withdrawal.
ECOWAS Warns of Consequences
ECOWAS has warned that the departure of Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali could have significant repercussions for the region. The bloc cautions that the withdrawal could compromise the freedom of movement and the integrity of the common market that has benefited the 400 million citizens of the organization. As reported by Reuters, the lack of progress in negotiations with these junta-led states has been a source of frustration for ECOWAS.
“The impending withdrawal of these countries would have far-reaching consequences, threatening to undermine the achievements of regional integration,” an ECOWAS official warned in a recent statement.
A Critical Moment for the Region
This development comes at a critical time as the three countries grapple with growing security challenges from insurgent groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. The Sahel region, where Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali are located, has faced increasing instability due to jihadist insurgencies, which have resulted in thousands of deaths and millions of displacements.
The withdrawal of these three nations from ECOWAS could weaken regional cooperation efforts against such threats, potentially creating a security vacuum that extremist groups could exploit. The move also raises questions about the future of regional diplomacy and economic cooperation in West Africa.
As Burkina Faso and its neighbors move forward with their plans to exit ECOWAS, the full impact of their decision remains to be seen. However, the introduction of the new biometric passports marks a definitive step in a new direction for these three countries.
