Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger about to reveal unifying passport

Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger about to reveal unifying passport

Junta-led allies Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger on Thursday announced that their own common passport will come into effect from January 29, the date of their departure from regional bloc ECOWAS.

After overthrowing civilian governments between 2020 and 2023, the military leaders in the three west African countries have teamed up to form the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

On January 28 last year, the trio announced their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States, which they accused of being subservient to former colonial ruler France and failing to support them in their fight against jihadist violence.

They said their departure was immediate, but under the bloc’s rules, their withdrawal takes effect a year after the announcement.

The president of the AES “informs confederal and international opinion that the AES passports will be put into circulation from January 29”, said current head and Malian junta chief, General Assimi Goita, in a statement read out on state television.

“However, the old passports remain valid until their expiry date,” the statement added, referring to ECOWAS passports.

The three countries will also join forces to create a 5,000-strong unit to fight the jihadist violence that has for years plagued the nations, officials said earlier this week.

Since seizing power, the three juntas in the volatile Sahel region have cut ties with France, turning politically and militarily towards Russia and other partners.

“Citizens of the AES confederation who hold old passports bearing the ECOWAS logo may have them replaced by new AES passports,” the statement said.