Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to introduce new biometric passports as part of their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), signaling a deepening of the divide between the three junta-led nations and the regional bloc. This move follows the countries’ declaration in January to withdraw from ECOWAS, a 15-member economic and political union that has long played a key role in West African integration.
The three nations have also formed a new political and security alliance known as the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which aims to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the governments of these countries. This new Sahel coalition comes in the wake of military takeovers in all three nations, resulting in the installation of junta-led governments that have openly defied international and regional efforts to reintegrate them into ECOWAS.
Break from ECOWAS and the Move to New Biometric Passports
Earlier this month, Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, confirmed that the country would begin issuing new passports without the ECOWAS logo, a significant step in solidifying its break from the regional bloc. This decision aligns with the broader goals of the AES, which is seeking to distance itself from ECOWAS’ structures and policies.
In a statement made on Sunday evening, Malian junta leader Assimi Goita announced that new biometric passports for the Alliance of Sahel States would soon be introduced. “In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the AES will be put into circulation with the aim of harmonising travel documents in our common area and facilitating the mobility of our citizens throughout the world,” Goita declared.
This announcement comes ahead of a planned meeting between the foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, marking the anniversary of their decision to form the Alliance of Sahel States. According to Goita, the meeting will not only focus on the launch of the new passports but also on the creation of a shared information channel to ensure “harmonious dissemination of information” across the three countries.
The biometric passports will help facilitate travel for citizens of the Sahel alliance by harmonizing their documents, further underscoring the shift away from the regional bloc. The initiative is also seen as a key step in promoting greater mobility among their citizens across international borders.
Regional and Economic Implications
The withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from ECOWAS has raised significant concerns regarding the future of West African cooperation, particularly in areas such as freedom of movement and economic integration. Together, the economies of these three nations account for approximately 8% of ECOWAS’ total gross domestic product (GDP). The exit of the three countries, while not the largest blow in terms of economic output, could still have substantial impacts on the functioning of the regional market.
ECOWAS, a bloc that has existed for nearly five decades, facilitates the free movement of goods, people, and services across its member states. The withdrawal of these Sahel countries could disrupt this economic harmony and limit the economic opportunities of the 400 million people residing in ECOWAS member states. Furthermore, the departure could set a precedent for other nations contemplating leaving the regional bloc in response to political or economic crises.
The Formation of the Alliance of Sahel States
The Alliance of Sahel States was formed by the military leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger following a series of coups that took place in the three countries over the past few years. Each country has faced considerable political instability and security challenges, particularly from Islamist insurgencies operating in the Sahel region. The alliance represents an effort by the three governments to bolster cooperation in security, defense, and governance amid increasing international pressure to restore civilian rule.
Despite repeated attempts by ECOWAS and other international actors to engage in dialogue with these countries, efforts to bring them back into the regional fold have been unsuccessful. The AES has positioned itself as an alternative framework for regional collaboration and integration, with its own set of priorities distinct from ECOWAS.
As Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger continue on their path of breaking away from ECOWAS, the introduction of the new biometric passports serves as a symbolic and practical step toward solidifying their alliance under the AES. While the long-term implications of their withdrawal remain to be seen, the move has already raised alarms about the future of regional cooperation in West Africa. For now, the focus of the three nations is on strengthening their internal ties and asserting their sovereignty within the framework of the new Sahel alliance.
