On Thursday, 23rd January, the military-led governments of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger announced they would introduce a common passport for their citizens starting 29th January, marking the first anniversary of their withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
These three West African countries, now united under the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), broke away from ECOWAS after accusing the regional bloc of aligning with former colonial power France and failing to adequately support their fight against jihadist violence. While the exit was declared on 28th January 2024, ECOWAS rules require a one-year notice period, meaning their official departure will take place on 29th January 2025.
In a statement broadcast on state television, AES President Assimi Goita, who is also the leader of the Malian junta, announced that the new AES passports would begin circulating by the end of January. However, existing ECOWAS passports will remain valid until they expire.
The AES confederation also revealed plans to replace the ECOWAS passports currently held by citizens with new AES passports. It remains unclear whether citizens of AES countries will need visas when visiting any ECOWAS member country after the transition.
Earlier this week, the three nations also unveiled a joint military force of 5,000 soldiers to tackle the jihadist violence that has plagued the region for years. All three countries, which underwent coups between 2020 and 2023, have been cool towards France and are seeking new political and military alliances, particularly with Russia.
This move marks a significant realignment of regional alliances and policies in the Sahel, raising questions about the future of relations between AES and ECOWAS.
