Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger Launch AES Passport, Exit ECOWAS

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, now collectively known as the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), have announced the introduction of a common AES passport. The new passport, set to be launched on January 29, signifies the trio’s formal departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This decisive step underscores their growing discontent with ECOWAS, which they accuse of aligning with former colonial power France and failing to effectively address the persistent threat of jihadist violence in the region.

Image Source: AFP

The AES passport represents more than a travel document; it symbolizes the deepening unity among the three nations as they seek to assert their independence from regional frameworks perceived as ineffective. While the AES passport will begin circulating, the three states have clarified that existing ECOWAS passports will remain valid until their expiration.

Image Source: AFP

This withdrawal from ECOWAS is not the only measure being taken by the Confederation of Sahel States. In a bold bid to tackle ongoing jihadist threats, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are collaborating on the formation of a joint 5,000-strong military unit. The initiative reflects their collective commitment to securing their territories and addressing a security crisis that has destabilized the Sahel region for years.

The move also signals a shifting geopolitical landscape in West Africa. The AES countries’ grievances with ECOWAS stem from a belief that the organization has prioritized external political interests over addressing local challenges. This dissatisfaction has been exacerbated by perceptions of ECOWAS’s alignment with France, a former colonial power that many in the Sahel accuse of exploiting the region’s resources while offering inadequate support against jihadist insurgencies.

The creation of the AES passport and military collaboration points to a significant realignment in regional politics, as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger assert greater autonomy. Whether these efforts will yield the desired security and governance outcomes remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly mark a new chapter in the Sahel’s political evolution.