ALBAWABA- Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are set to introduce new biometric passports as part of their exit from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in favor of the newly formed "Confederation of Sahel States."
This move, announced by Mali's military leader, Assimi Goïta, aims to unify travel documents across the three nations and ease global mobility for their citizens.
The new passports, which will replace those bearing the ECOWAS emblem, will be rolled out in the coming days.
Goïta’s statement comes ahead of a key meeting between the foreign ministers of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, marking the anniversary of their alliance.
Additionally, the Sahel nations plan to launch a joint information channel to coordinate news dissemination within their borders.
ECOWAS has warned that the withdrawal of these countries could undermine the free movement of 400 million people within the bloc.
Meanwhile, the Sahel alliance is strengthening ties with China, which has pledged over $50 billion to support Africa in the next three years.
This partnership was solidified during a recent summit in Beijing, attended by leaders from the three Sahel nations.
