Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Launch Biometric Passports Under New Sahel Alliance

Date:

Share post:

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to introduce new biometric passports as part of their shift away from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and towards their newly formed Sahel alliance. This move comes after military leaders seized control in all three nations, prompting a realignment of their regional affiliations.

Malian junta leader, Assimi Goita, announced the development on Sunday, explaining that the new passports would harmonize travel documents across the three nations, now united under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). “In the coming days, a new biometric passport of the AES will be put into circulation with the aim of facilitating the mobility of our citizens throughout the world,” Goita stated.Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Launch Biometric Passports Under New Sahel Alliance

This announcement follows Burkina Faso’s earlier decision to introduce passports without the ECOWAS logo, signaling the countries’ collective withdrawal from the 15-member bloc. ECOWAS has urged these nations to reconsider their decision, warning that their exit could disrupt the freedom of movement and the shared market enjoyed by over 400 million people across the region.

Also, read; 18-year-old Afro-Brazilian Footballer, Endrick Marries 22-year-old Model Gabriely Miranda in Stunning Ceremony

Goita’s statement came ahead of a meeting between the foreign ministers of the three nations, marking the anniversary of the decision to form their new alliance. He also mentioned plans to launch a shared information channel, aimed at promoting coordinated communication among the Sahel states.Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger to Launch Biometric Passports Under New Sahel Alliance

The departure from ECOWAS happens at a time when the armies of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are actively battling insurgencies linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS. These conflicts have destabilized the Sahel region over the past decade and pose a growing threat to nearby coastal West African states.

As these nations focus on strengthening their alliance and enhancing security cooperation, their biometric passport initiative represents another step towards deeper integration under the AES.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

Related articles

‘Go to Hell’: Julius Malema Fires Back at Elon Musk for Calling Him an International Criminal

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema has delivered a scathing response to South African-born billionaire Elon Musk,...

Largest Cities in Africa

Africa is both a developing and an underdeveloped continent, despite its immense natural wealth. While no Africa city ranks...

Cleanest African Cities (No Littering!)

The disposal of waste is a problem for the government of most African countries. They have recognized that...

Priscilla Ojo Unveils New Name After Wedding to Tanzanian Artist Juma Jux

Nollywood stars and fans have flooded social media with congratulatory messages following the traditional wedding of Priscilla Ojo,...