MALI, BURKINA FASO, AND NIGER STRENGTHEN TIES WITH LAUNCH OF BIOMETRIC PASSPORTS

Mon 16 September 2024:

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have taken a significant step towards solidifying their new Sahel alliance with the introduction of biometric passports. The move follows the military takeover in all three nations and signals their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), a regional bloc with 15 members. This shift, announced by Mali’s leader Assimi Goita on Sunday, underscores their commitment to a more independent direction.

A Strategic Shift in Regional Unity

The introduction of these passports aligns with the goals of the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES). Burkina Faso recently announced its new passport design, which no longer bears the ECOWAS logo. Goita emphasized the significance of this decision, stating that the new AES biometric passports aim to streamline travel and improve mobility for their citizens across the globe.

The announcement of the new passports comes just ahead of a meeting between the foreign ministers of the three countries. This gathering will mark the anniversary of their decision to form the Sahel alliance. As part of their ongoing efforts to unify, the countries also plan to launch a shared information channel to better coordinate communication across their borders.

Facing Resistance from ECOWAS

ECOWAS has expressed strong concerns about the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The bloc warns that the exit of these countries could have far-reaching consequences for the free movement of people and the regional market, which serves over 400 million people. ECOWAS, with a history spanning 49 years, views this departure as a threat to the region’s stability.

While forging their new alliance, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger continue to grapple with violent insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. These groups have wreaked havoc in the Sahel region for over a decade, posing a threat to neighboring coastal West African nations. Despite these challenges, the three countries remain resolute in pursuing a united front.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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