West African Military States introduce new biometric passport

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all governed by military juntas, are preparing to launch a new biometric passport as part of their exit from the regional bloc Ecowas. After a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, these countries formed the Alliance of Sahel States and announced their intention to leave Ecowas earlier this year. In response to these political shifts, Ecowas imposed sanctions aimed at pressuring the juntas to restore civilian governments.

However, the military leaders of these nations have resisted these demands, instead solidifying their alliance. In a televised address, Mali’s junta leader, Col Assimi Goïta, revealed plans to introduce a new biometric passport that would facilitate travel within the alliance’s territory. This passport will replace the Ecowas-issued one, though it remains unclear how this will affect the movement of nationals between other Ecowas member states, where visa-free travel had been previously guaranteed.

The Alliance of Sahel States, which has expanded its focus beyond security cooperation, aims to create a community founded on African values and free from foreign influence. The breakaway from Ecowas has raised concerns of potential regional fragmentation and heightened insecurity.

Despite the introduction of the new passport, the region continues to struggle with jihadist violence, which has displaced millions. Meanwhile, the Sahel states have expelled French and other Western forces and turned to Russia for military support.