Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Introduces Common Passport

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, now allied under military-led administrations, have announced the introduction of a common passport for their Confederation of Sahel States (AES). This new document will come into effect on January 29, marking one year since their official withdrawal from the regional bloc ECOWAS.

Between 2020 and 2023, the governments of these three West African nations were overthrown by military coups, prompting their formation of the AES. On January 29 last year, the trio declared their exit from ECOWAS, accusing the organisation of allegiance to France, the former colonial power, and of failing to adequately assist in their efforts against terrorism.

While the announcement indicated an immediate withdrawal, ECOWAS rules stipulate a year's delay before such exits are fully recognised. On state television, Malian junta leader and AES president, General Assimi Goïta, confirmed: "The AES passports will be issued from 29th January."

The statement clarified that existing ECOWAS passports would remain valid until their natural expiry. It also noted that citizens of the AES holding these passports could have them replaced by the new AES versions.

The AES is also forming a 5,000-strong force to combat the insurgency that has long afflicted the region. Since their respective military takeovers, the three nations have severed ties with France, shifting their alliances politically and militarily towards Russia and other partners.

While the ECOWAS passport provides visa-free travel within member states, it remains uncertain whether ECOWAS will, after January 2025, require AES citizens to obtain visas for regional travel.