Junta-led Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger to unveil common passport

• As they exit ECOWAS January 29 
Military governments of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, yesterday, announced that their common travel passport would come into effect from January 29, the date of their planned departure from the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

After overthrowing civilian governments between 2020 and 2023, the military leaders in the three West African countries teamed up to form the Confederation of Sahel States (AES).

On January 28, last year, the trio announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS, which they accused of being subservient to former colonial ruler, France, and failing to support them in their fight against jihadist violence.

They said their departure was immediate, but that under the bloc’s rules, their withdrawal would take effect a year after the announcement.

The president of the AES “informs confederal and international opinion that AES passports will be put into circulation from January 29”, said the current head and Malian junta chief, General Assimi Goita, in a statement read out on state television.

“However, the old passports remain valid until their expiry dates,” he added, referring to ECOWAS passports.

The three countries also agreed also join forces to create a 5,000-strong unit to fight the jihadist violence that had for years plagued the nations, officials said earlier this week.

Since seizing power, the three juntas in the volatile Sahel region had cut ties with France, turning politically and militarily towards Russia and other partners.

“Citizens of the AES Confederation, who hold old passports bearing the ECOWAS logo may have them replaced with new AES passports,” the statement read.