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In a significant move symbolizing their political and economic realignment, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have announced plans to introduce a new common biometric passport under the Alliance of Sahel States. This development marks their formal withdrawal from ECOWAS, signaling deeper cooperation between the three nations following recent political shifts.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are set to launch a common biometric passport as part of their growing cooperation under the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This move is seen as a major step toward cementing their separation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following a series of political disagreements, including sanctions imposed on these nations after military coups in recent years.
The biometric passport, aimed at enhancing security and easing travel among the three Sahel countries, is designed to strengthen the newly established alliance, signaling a shift towards closer regional integration. By adopting this passport system, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are looking to streamline movement across their borders, facilitate regional trade, and reinforce their independence from ECOWAS, which they view as having lost credibility due to its handling of recent political transitions in the region.
The Alliance of Sahel States, formally announced in 2023, was created to foster military, economic, and political collaboration between Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. These nations, which have faced instability from jihadist insurgencies and internal governance challenges, see the alliance as a way to chart their own course, free from external pressures, particularly from ECOWAS, which has imposed sanctions in response to their military-led governments.
The biometric passport will include advanced features to prevent fraud and enhance cross-border security. It is expected to streamline documentation processes for citizens traveling between the three countries, which have shared borders and similar security concerns. Officials from the three nations have hailed the move as a practical step toward greater regional autonomy and cooperation.
Critics, however, have expressed concerns about the deeper isolation of these countries from West African and broader African institutions. ECOWAS, which has been central to peacekeeping and economic integration efforts in West Africa, may now face challenges as it navigates its relationship with these former member states. Experts also worry about the potential economic and diplomatic repercussions of these countries’ withdrawal from ECOWAS, as the regional bloc has traditionally offered significant economic support and market access.
In response to the withdrawal, ECOWAS leadership has reiterated its commitment to upholding democratic processes and maintaining regional stability. However, the formation of the Sahel Alliance and the creation of the common biometric passport underline the deepening rift between these nations and ECOWAS.
The introduction of a common biometric passport by Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso reflects a bold move towards regional integration under the Alliance of Sahel States, further distancing themselves from ECOWAS. As these nations seek to establish greater independence, the world watches to see how this alliance will shape the future of West African geopolitics.
