Following a declaration and an official withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) by Niger Republic, Mali, and Burkina Faso, three countries led by the military after overthrowing civilian administration have introduced a common passport for the confederation of Sahel States (AES passport).
Reports indicated the passport introduced will be effective on the 29th day of January 2025.
Before now, the trio were members of the ECOWAS, but the military-ruled countries accused members of the ECOWAS of not supporting them in fighting terrorism, for which their concerns centred on the push for the return of democracy. The scenario coincides with the allegations of conniving with their former colonial power, France, to sabotage their development.
General Assimi Goïta announced the introduction of a common passport for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
As gathered, the development was announced by General Assimi Goïta, the Malian Junta Leader and overseer head “president” of the AES on State Television, revealing the passport will begin to be issued to their citizens from January 29th, which could be seen as an official indication of withdrawal from the ECOWAS despite the appeal and consideration call by the ECOWAS recently.
Gen. Assimi further explained that citizens from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger holding the existing ECOWAS passport will remain valid until they are replaced with the AES passport.
The AES may form a strong force in supporting the trio’s fight against terrorism, as they now have a common interest in military power, which both cut off ties with France and formed their alliance with Russia and China recently.
To this moment, Daily Episode is yet to understand if the AES passport will hold the position of visa-free for regional travel in ECOWAS countries like the ECOWAS passport offers to citizens of the region.
LIKE & FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, X, INSTAGRAM, LINKEDIN & YOUTUBE
