New Biometric Passports to Mark Breakaway of Junta-Led West African Nations

In a significant shift, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, all governed by military juntas following recent coups, are set to introduce new biometric passports as part of their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). The three nations, which have aligned themselves in what is now known as the Alliance of Sahel States, announced their intent to leave the regional bloc in January 2023.

The coups that brought these military leaders to power in the three countries between 2020 and 2023 triggered a series of sanctions from Ecowas, aimed at pressuring the juntas to restore civilian governance swiftly. Despite these sanctions, the junta-led governments have remained defiant, opting to strengthen their alliance rather than rejoining Ecowas.

Malian junta leader Colonel Assimi Goïta, who currently serves as the acting president of the Sahel alliance, disclosed the upcoming launch of the new biometric passports during a televised address late Sunday. This announcement coincided with the first anniversary of the creation of the Sahel alliance. Colonel Goïta emphasized that the new passports are intended to standardize travel documents within their alliance, which spans the three countries.

Alongside the passport initiative, the Sahel alliance plans to introduce a joint service aimed at fostering better information sharing among the member states. This development marks a significant step in their effort to solidify their regional cooperation beyond security matters.

Burkina Faso had previously announced its intention to issue a new biometric passport devoid of the Ecowas logo. The impact of this new passport on travel to other Ecowas states remains uncertain, especially considering that citizens of Ecowas member countries currently benefit from visa-free movement across the 15-nation bloc.

In July, the leaders of the three countries declared their “irrevocable” departure from Ecowas, expressing their desire to build a community of sovereign nations rooted in African values and independent of foreign influence. This decision has heightened concerns within Ecowas about the potential disintegration of regional cohesion and worsening security issues.

The creation of the Sahel alliance last year aimed to enhance military cooperation among the three nations. In July 2024, they further deepened their collaboration by forming a confederation to extend their cooperation beyond purely security matters. This confederation reflects their commitment to addressing regional challenges collectively.

The Sahel region has long been plagued by jihadist violence, which has caused significant loss of life and displacement of millions. The military leaders in these countries cited the fight against insurgency as a primary reason for their coups, although their efforts to combat the violence have yet to yield substantial results.

Additionally, the three junta-led countries have expelled French troops who had been assisting in the fight against jihadist groups, instead seeking military support from Russia. This shift underscores their pivot away from traditional Western alliances in favor of strengthening ties with Russia.

As the Sahel alliance prepares to launch its new biometric passport system, the broader implications for regional security and travel remain to be seen. Ecowas continues to urge the junta-led nations to reconsider their breakaway stance and rejoin the bloc to ensure regional stability and cooperation.