Malian junta leader Assimi Goita has announced that Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will soon introduce new biometric passports as part of efforts to strengthen the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES) following their collective withdrawal from the West African bloc, ECOWAS. This move marks a significant step towards regional integration within the alliance.
Goita emphasized that the new biometric passports will be rolled out in the coming days to harmonize travel documents across the member states of the AES. “We will work to establish the necessary infrastructure to improve connectivity within our territories through transport, communication networks, and information technology,” he added, underscoring the importance of collaboration in strengthening the region’s infrastructure.
On September 4, 2024, Burkina Faso became the first of the three countries to unveil its new biometric passport, which notably lacks the logo or any reference to ECOWAS. This marks a clear indication of the country’s determination to move away from the regional bloc after its military coup. Security Minister Mahamadou Sana confirmed this during the launch, stating, “This is a tangible realization of Burkina Faso’s decision to withdraw from ECOWAS made in January.”
The new passport is reportedly being produced by Chinese biometrics firm Emptech.
The decision by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to withdraw from ECOWAS in January 2024 raised concerns regarding the freedom of movement and market access for the 400 million people residing within the bloc. ECOWAS warned that the withdrawal would strip the countries’ citizens of access to the ECOWAS passport, biometric ID cards, and participation in the West Africa Unique Identification for Regional Integration and Inclusion (WURI) digital ID program.
The introduction of the new Sahel alliance passport could potentially alleviate these concerns by providing an alternative form of regional identification. It also signals the three countries’ efforts to build their own systems for integration, independent of ECOWAS.
In a parallel development, Burkina Faso’s push to enhance its digital infrastructure received a boost in March 2024 with $150 million in support from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA). This funding will aid the country’s “Digital Acceleration Project,” aimed at improving infrastructure, public services, and digital skills, which could complement the rollout of the new biometric passport and further strengthen regional connectivity.
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